SACRAMENTO — The State Senate has passed Senate Bill 1278 introduced by State Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) with a 36-0 vote which would require the Governor to annually proclaim December 1st as World AIDS Day, a day of remembrance and solidarity for those across the globe who have been affected by a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Senate Bill 1278 is a priority bill for the California Legislature LGBTQ Caucus.
“When I was Executive Director of the Santa Cruz AIDS Agency in the 1980s, my mission was to keep people alive,” Senator Laird said. “We are forty years into the AIDS epidemic, and it is clear our efforts to educate and spread awareness are as important as ever. World AIDS Day allows us to stand with those currently living with an HIV or AIDS diagnosis and honor all the lives we have lost. Establishing World AIDS Day signifies that California continues its commitment to the fight against HIV.”
Today an estimated 1.2 million people in the United States have HIV, the infection that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). As of 2022, 142,772 Californians were living with an HIV infection diagnosis, according to an annual report by the California Department of Public Health. In that same year, 4,882 Californians were newly diagnosed with HIV, and 2,169 Californians with HIV infections died
“We have so many medical and intervention tools today that will totally stop new infections,” Ted Ross, founder and Board Member of the Capital City AIDS Fund, said. “But without renewed widespread awareness efforts, a whole new young generation is missing the message about frequent testing and smart sex practices.”
The first World AIDS Day was held in 1988, creating an annual platform to raise awareness for HIV and AIDS across the globe. 2023 was the first time the dome of the State Capitol was lit red for World AIDS Day. Red ribbons are adorned as a symbol of solidarity. World AIDS Day seeks to honor the lives lost to an AIDS-related illness, to end HIV-related stigma, and to reinforce a global commitment to the fight against HIV. It is a worldwide day of solidarity for people affected by HIV.
Over forty years into the AIDS epidemic, this work remains more important than ever.
Senate Bill 1278 now heads to the State Assembly.
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Senator John Laird represents the 17th State Senate District, encompassing the entirety of Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties, along with portions of Santa Clara and Monterey counties. With a distinguished career in public service spanning four decades, Senator Laird has served as Secretary of the CA Natural Resources Agency, as an Assemblymember, and proudly holds the distinction of being one of the first openly gay mayors in the United States. More information on Senator Laird can be found here.