Alabama prisons officials are headed to court to defend a long-standing policy that segregates inmates who have tested positive for HIV.
The American Civil Liberties Union says in a lawsuit filed by HIV-positive inmates the policy is unconstitutional and makes it difficult for some prisoners to participate in prison programs.
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson will hear arguments starting at 10 a.m. Monday in a trial at the federal courthouse in Montgomery. The inmates want the judge to order prison officials to end the policy. The state has asked Thompson to rule that the issues have been covered in two previous trials. Thomson has delayed a ruling on that issue until he hears testimony.
Alabama and South Carolina are the only states that segregate HIV-positive inmates.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.