PM of Australia forced to back down on HIV+ ban, slammed by medical specialists

[Bluebear]

I know this will come as a shock to certain DU members who supported Howard in their 1986-type insistence that HIV is "easily transmittable".

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The Prime Minister of Australia has been forced to abandon plans to refuse entry to HIV positive migrants and refugees. A government spokesman has said that the commitment made by John Howard will be "quietly dishonoured," after he came under fire from HIV/AIDS groups...

The centre slammed Mr Howard for comparing HIV with tuberculosis, an airborne disease which is more easily passed on. A spokesman for the centre added that Mr Howard's comments could be in breach of Australia's anti-discrimination legislation.

He said: "He should be investigated as making comments capable of amounting to vilification." Government officials defending the Prime Minister said he had spoken without thinking. An advisor said: "This is one of the rare occasions when he's said something that's got him into strife."...

The Prime Minister was also slammed by state AIDS bodies and HIV medical specialists...The Prime Minister is an opponent of gay marriage and other rights for gay couples.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-4149.html

[JackBeck]

1. So he finally woke-up and realized he was living in the 21st century.

God did this make my blood boil!

Sydney is set to host this summer’s Int’l AIDS Society’s HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention conference. Glad he finally got a clue.

[Bluebear]

2. Word. nt

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

3. OK, so I didn't just imagine that.

WTF, it sounded like 1985 in that thread.

[JackBeck]

4. My jaw dropped when I read those responses.

It was as if Reagan was still President and Bush Sr was VP. And I was a young teenager back then. I can't believe some of those responses.