Proposed Ugandan Bill May Punish HIV-Positive Gay Men – A Ugandan MP has recently proposed a bill that would impose the death penalty on HIV-positive men who have sex with other men. In addition, the bill may punish organizations that promote or support homosexuality by imposing a fine and a minimum of five years in prison. For more information, please see the AIDSMap Web site.

Dr. Helene Gayle To Lead Presidential Advisory Council On AIDS – President Obama recently announced that Dr. Helene Gayle, President and CEO of the humanitarian organization CARE, will chair the Presidential Advisory Council on AIDS. Her prior experiences include 20 years at the Centers for Disease Control, a position as AIDS Coordinator at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and a position directing the HIV, TB and Reproductive Health Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. For more information, please see the press release at the ABC Chicago Web site.

Congress Extends Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program – Congress recently approved a four-year extension of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which will help nearly half a million uninsured and low-income HIV patients receive treatment. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 proposes a five percent annual funding increase for the next four years. For more information, please see the United Press International Web site.

Michigan Legislation Seeks To Remove Informed Consent HIV Testing Clause – A recent bill proposed in the Michigan House of Representatives seeks to eradicate a clause requiring that patients give informed consent prior to HIV testing. The bill would allow health care providers to administer the test without informing the patient. According to supporters of the bill, the removal of this mandate would allow health care providers to better treat patients by allowing them to detect HIV earlier. However, some believe that this violates privacy rights, and that it will also prompt insurance companies to deny coverage to their patients. A hearing on the bill could be held as soon as May. For more information, please see the Michigan Messenger Web site.