Petition aims to stop Macomb County HIV terrorism charge

Being HIV positive could mean being seen as a biological terrorist in Macomb County. But now, supporters of the man being charged could have the opportunity to fight back.
Clinton Township resident Daniel Allen, who is gay and HIV positive, is facing charges of possession of a harmful biological substance after biting his neighbor, Winfred Fernandis Jr., on his lip during a fight between the two men stemming from alleged taunts about Allen's sexual orientation. After Allen's HIV status was brought to the attention of the court, Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith charged Allen with what ammounts to an act of biological terrorism, alledging that his bite could potentially infect his neighbor with the disease, and that the infection could have been intentional.
As change.org – who is spearheading a grassroots effort to help Allen – put it, the charge is "woefully ignorant of science."
A petition has begun on Allen's behalf by the Web site to urge Smith to drop the charges of terrorism. Visit http://gayrights.change.org/ and follow the "Action Alert" link at the top of the Web page to sign the petition.
The Triangle Foundation is also assisting Allen to ensure that he is treated fairly. "We continue to advise Allen, who is facing some daunting challenges," Triangle said in a recent e-mail statement.
"It can be quite challenging to walk into a courtroom in Macomb County, Michigan with your sexuality and your HIV/AIDS status out in the open. Triangle Foundation is present so that Allen is respected and not vilified due to his status or sexual orientation."
Allen is also asking that supporters offer whatever financial support they can for his legal bills through the Daniel Allen Defense Fund. Donations should be mailed to the fund, care of James L. Galen Jr. at 17097 17 Mile Road, Suite 201, in Clinton Township.
To learn more about Allen's case, visit http://www.tri.org, http://www.change.org, or watch for updates in Between The Lines.