Story perspectives

New Anti-LGBT Law Doubles Sentences, Threatens HIV Prevention

4/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Over 60 people have been detained since February under Article 319, which criminalizes same-sex relations and enables forced HIV testing.
Many detainees face additional charges for intentional HIV transmission.
On March 27, the new law doubles prison sentences for same-sex acts and criminalizes promotion of homosexuality, threatening HIV-prevention groups.
As a result, community support collapsed, with many fleeing or halting activities, and HIV prevention now faces severe challenges.

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Story summary

Over 60 people have been detained since February under Article 319, which criminalizes same-sex relations and enables forced HIV testing.
Many detainees face additional charges for intentional HIV transmission.
On March 27, the new law doubles prison sentences for same-sex acts and criminalizes promotion of homosexuality, threatening HIV-prevention groups.
As a result, community support collapsed, with many fleeing or halting activities, and HIV prevention now faces severe challenges.