California Officially Recognizes World AIDS Day as a Statewide Day of Remembrance
California has officially designated December 1 as World AIDS Day in perpetuity, making it the third LGBTQ-related day of remembrance recognized by the state.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1278 into law on Wednesday, just days before San Francisco’s annual Pride celebrations. The bill, authored by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), mandates that every future California governor issue an annual proclamation recognizing World AIDS Day. It will take effect on January 1, 2025, with the first required proclamation issued later that year
"Establishing World AIDS Day signifies California's ongoing commitment to the fight against HIV," Laird said in a statement.
A longtime advocate, Laird led the Santa Cruz AIDS Agency during the height of the epidemic in the 1980s, providing critical care and support to those affected. Reflecting on that time, he stated, "When I was executive director... my mission was to keep people alive. We are 40 years into the AIDS epidemic, and it is clear our efforts to educate and spread awareness are as important as ever. World AIDS Day allows us to stand with those currently living with HIV or AIDS and honor all the lives we have lost."
According to the California Department of Public Health, as of 2022, 142,772 Californians were living with an HIV diagnosis. That same year, 4,882 new cases were reported, and 2,169 Californians with HIV passed away.
Despite the long-standing global observance of World AIDS Day, no California governor has ever issued a proclamation recognizing it—until now. Last December, in a historic first, the dome of the State Capitol was lit red in honor of World AIDS Day.
SB 1278 received overwhelming bipartisan support, passing the state Assembly 77-0 with two abstentions and the state Senate 36-0. The bill also aligns with President Joe Biden’s 2023 proclamation, which encouraged governors nationwide to participate in World AIDS Day and support individuals affected by HIV.
Equality California, a leading LGBTQ advocacy group, praised the new law. "Recognizing World AIDS Day every year is an opportunity to honor those we've lost and reaffirm our support for people currently living with and affected by HIV," said EQCA Executive Director Tony Hoang. "This bill will help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and reinforce California's commitment to funding lifesaving research, prevention, and treatment programs."
California already mandates annual proclamations for Harvey Milk Day (May 22), Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20), and LGBTQ+ Pride Month (June). With the passage of SB 1278, World AIDS Day now joins this list as a permanent day of reflection, awareness, and advocacy in the Golden State.
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