More Protections For Hiv-Positive

In a decision hailed by gay organizations and civil rights advocates, New York state’s highest court significantly broadened the reach of the state’s Human Rights Law on Tuesday to protect people with HIV from discrimination by dentists and doctors.

The ruling by the state Court of Appeals came in two cases brought by people who charged they had been denied dental services because they had tested positive for, or had been exposed to, the virus that causes AIDS.

In both cases, lower courts dismissed their complaints, ruling that dental offices were private premises not covered under the state Human Rights Law, which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing and public accomodations.

But in a 4-3 decision announced Tuesday, the high court said the law’s definition of a public accomodation should be “interpreted liberally” to include any place that provides “conveniences and services to the public.”

State officials said they expected the ruling to apply to complaints of discrimination against doctors and possibly other professionals, like lawyers.