Federal Judge Rules Military Cannot Ban HIV-Positive Enlistees

In a landmark decision, a federal judge has ruled that the U.S. military cannot continue its longstanding practice of prohibiting HIV-positive individuals from enlisting. The ruling, delivered by Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia, marks a significant victory for LGBTQ+ advocates and health rights organizations, challenging discriminatory policies that have been in place for decades.

The case centered on the Pentagon's policy of barring individuals who are HIV-positive, even if they are asymptomatic and capable of fulfilling their duties. Judge Brinkema, in her ruling, stated that the. . .