TORONTO, Jan. 30 (UPI)

A southern Ontario judge who demanded a witness with HIV and hepatitis C wear a mask while in the courtroom is being challenged by two AIDS groups.

Complaints were filed in Toronto by the rights groups with the Ontario Judicial Council about Justice Jon-Jo Douglas, who presides in Barrie, about 90 miles north of Toronto.

The trial is for a man accused of sexually assaulting a fellow inmate in a provincial prison, The Toronto Star said. In November, after the alleged victim testified about his HIV status and hepatitis, Douglas reportedly demanded he wear a mask

Crown prosecutor Karen McCleave said the judge wouldn’t listen to her claims there was no need for such measures.

“The HIV virus will live in a dried state for year after year after year and only needs moisture to reactivate itself,” the court transcript quotes Douglas as saying.

McCleave replied she wouldn’t ask the witness to wear a mask in court when he faces no such requirement in the community.

The provincial Criminal Lawyers Association has also lodged a complaint with the judicial council about Douglas, the Star said.

© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.