Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 13, 1994                   TAG: 9403130130
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: B-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: BALTIMORE                                LENGTH: Short

MD. MAN SUES COUNTY OVER FORCED AIDS TEST

The man, who wasn't identified in the federal lawsuit, came to Frederick County officials' attention in 1992 when his companion was told by the county Health Department that he tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS.

James Rowe of the Maryland AIDS Administration contacted the plaintiff several times over two months, telling him he had been exposed to an infectious disease and needed to go to the Health Department for testing.

When he failed to respond to phone calls, Rowe and Frederick County Health Officer James E. Bowes asked the county sheriff to prepare a warrant for the man's arrest, the lawsuit said.

The man's car was pulled over while he was driving to work. He was handcuffed and taken to the Frederick County jail for testing, the lawsuit said. Five days later, the man was told he tested positive for the virus, according to the suit.

Maryland law calls for people being tested for HIV to do so voluntarily and receive counseling before and after the test, said the plaintiff's attorney, Nancy E. Paige.

"It is outrageous to arrest people simply because they are suspected of carrying HIV," Paige said.

- Associated Press