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A federal judge ruled that the US military cannot prevent individuals with undetectable HIV from enlisting.

Let’s bring you up to speed: Before the ruling, the US military prohibited HIV-positive individuals from enlisting, being promoted, or serving in certain roles. These restrictions were due to concerns about managing the condition, transmission risks during combat, the need for ongoing medical support, and difficulties deploying to countries with strict health regulations.

What’s the deal: US District Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that the military’s policy of barring individuals with undetectable HIV from enlisting and serving was unjustified and discriminatory. She found the military’s concerns about health risks, HIV’s incurability, and deployment challenges unsupported by evidence. Judge Brinkema called the policy “irrational, arbitrary, and capricious,” noting that it perpetuates HIV stigma and hinders military recruitment.

Who brought the lawsuit forward: Three individuals and the advocacy group Minority Veterans of America sued the US military over its ban on HIV-positive service members. Isaiah Wilkins, 24, was denied entry into the Army after serving in the Georgia National Guard. Carol Coe, 33, couldn’t return to duty after becoming HIV-positive. Natalie Noe, also 33, was barred from enlisting in 2020. They argued the ban was unlawful and not based on current science.

Now what: The judge’s ruling ensures that individuals with undetectable HIV can no longer be barred from enlisting or serving in the US military, marking a significant move toward ending HIV-related discrimination in the armed forces.