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Dozens gathered in Vancouver Mar 16 in support of a US Senate bill that would end the ban on HIV-positive visitors and immigrants.

Under the US Immigration and Nationality Act, HIV-positive people are banned from entering the US. The proposed bill would repeal that law.

Martin Rooney, who was recently denied entry to the US, spoke about his experience with border officials.

"I was fingerprinted, photographed, run through the FBI most wanted list and — two and a half hours later — sent home," says Rooney. "I have never felt more violated in my life."

Vancouver-area MPs, a San Diego city commissioner and Egale's executive director Helen Kennedy spoke at the event.

Read more about the HIV-positive entry ban in the US:

• HIV-pos man stopped at border told to seek redress from Homeland Security
• Bill may ease US HIV travel restrictions
• US may waive HIV travel ban