Maine: HIV Disclosure Claim Costs Rockland $3,000

In Rockland, Maine, city councilors voted last Wednesday to pay $3,000 to settle a potential lawsuit by a "John Doe" because a former police officer allegedly disclosed the man's HIV status following his arrest. Doe claimed that after his arrest for driving under the influence of intoxicants in December 2000, the officer told one of Doe's co-workers about his medical condition, after which word spread and he was forced to take stress leave. The officer resigned shortly after a human rights complaint was filed in February 2001, according to the Maine Human Rights Commission, which says Doe has HIV and hepatitis. In March, 2001, the city received notice of a claim from Doe alleging he was subjected to unlawful discrimination. The commission dismissed the complaint, ruling there were no reasonable grounds to believe the city discriminated against Doe on the basis of disability in violation of the Maine Human Rights Act. City Attorney Greg Dorr said the settlement - which admits no wrongdoing and releases the city from further claims - cost the city less than it would have spent to hire an attorney to represent the former officer.

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