A transgender sex worker charged with transmitting HIV to a client has been denied bail because she does not believe that she is HIV positive.
C.J Palmer was extradited from New South Wales to Western Australia in February. Palmer is accused of not disclosing their HIV status to a client while providing services as a sex worker. The client subsequently tested positive for HIV.
The ABC has reported that Palmer, who has been held on remand in a male prison, applied for bail today.
Representing Palmer, lawyer Simon Freitag presented the court with a expert report arguing that his client would be better off released being released into the community while awaiting trial.
The report suggested that holding Palmer is the maximum security prison’s Crisis Care Unit, where there is limited social interaction, could have an effect on Palmer’s mental health.
Magistrate Andrew Maughan denied bail citing his concern that Palmer denied being HIV positive and that there was a risk the accused may engage in further sexual work if released.
The case returns to court in July.
Community Info: Free and confidential testing for men for HIV is available at the M-Clinic or via your doctor. More information about HIV can be access via the WA AIDS Council.
OIP Staff
You can’t jail people because they are mentally ill or in denial about their health status. Everybody is responsible for their own safety. If you don’t know someone’s status you are responsible for keeping yourself safe. Use a condom, take PreP. Don’t jail people who are HIV+