The Equality Act also makes it illegal to discriminate against people with HIV in the provision of goods and services, such as when finding housing or when using shops, restaurants and hotels. This means, for example, that a business can’t refuse your custom or treat you less favourably because you have HIV. Similarly, a landlord cannot refuse to let a property to you because you have HIV.

A few people with HIV have suffered threatening or abusive behaviour from neighbours or other people in the community. This sort of harassment is illegal, whatever its motive.

In addition, if you are harassed or attacked because you have HIV (or because of your race or sexuality), this is classed as a ‘hate crime’. The police give a high priority to investigating hate crimes and the perpetrator may be given a tougher sentence by a court.

“Our windows were smashed and our car vandalised when our neighbours found out we had HIV. We reported it to the police. They were understanding and helpful and took action. But it was still a horrible experience and we ended up moving.”