LOS ANGELES - The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California and Being Alive Los Angeles, an organization of, by and for people living with HIV and AIDS, today sent a stern letter to the Los Angeles Department of Public Health Services about the methods used to obtain the private medical records of adult industry actors who had been provided with treatment by the Adult Industry Medical Health Care Foundation (AIM).

In response to an HIV-AIDS scare in the Los Angeles adult film industry, the LA Department of Public Health Services ordered AIM to turn over the health care records of approximately 50 adult industry actors who were provided medical treatment at the Adult Industry Medical Health Care Foundation. The release of medical information to government agencies is authorized only in response to a subpoena, which the LADPHS did not posses at the time.

"The Department's actions raise serious privacy and policy concerns," said Peter Eliasberg, Managing Attorney with the ACLU of Southern California. "As a government entity you are not entitled to simply knock on the door of any medical clinic and demand private, confidential medical records."

In a letter addressed to LADPHS director Peter Kerndt, the organizations also cite the need for privacy protections when dealing with HIV prevention efforts.

"The Department's actions were counter-productive to HIV prevention efforts," said Stanton J. Price, President of Being Alive Los Angeles. "Volunteer testing is an essential component of any efforts to prevent the spread of HIV-AIDS. By seizing private medical records the County is sending the wrong message to film actors and anyone else considering being tested."

"I think its safe to say that everyone is on the same page when it comes to preventing and containing HIV-AIDS," said Peter Eliasberg. "However the actions undertaken by the Department underscore the need to adhere to strict guidelines when it comes to the confidential medical records of people who voluntarily come forward and agree to be tested."

Today's vote on AB 1967 marks a significant step towards marriage equality for all Californians. Assemblymember Mark Leno's bill would simply ensure that same-sex couples are treated fairly and equally under the eyes of the law when it comes to marriage.

The ACLU strongly believes that same-sex couples deserve the same rights that countless other Californians enjoy. Each of the eight Judiciary Committee members who voted in favor of this legislation should be proud of the moral stance they have taken today.

We will continue to work towards marriage equality in California and throughout the nation.

Statement of Ramona Ripston, ACLU of Southern California Executive Director

Tonight the Westminster School Board majority is poised to take action that will gamble with Westminster students' education and well-being. If they continue down this destructive path, dollars will be diverted from the classroom to fighting for their own personal positions in the "culture war" that ring-wing ideologues have declared on those of whom they do not approve. In doing so, these board members have profoundly betrayed the public trust.

The ACLU is watching this situation with deep concern, both for the welfare of students who don't conform to gender norms, and for the education and welfare of every student, all of whom face the consequences of the possible loss of critical funding.

Students whose gender traits don't conform to stereotypes are being sent a clear signal: hide, because you won't be protected here. And all students have, in essence, been told by the board, "Your education and your future are worth less to us than our moral posturing."