Senators John Kerry and Gordon Smith Slam HIV Travel Ban
In a Washington Times (washingtontimes.com, 6/25) editorial, 2004 U.S. presidential candidate Senator John Kerry (D-Mass) and Senator Gordon Smith (R-Ore) say the United States should “strike from the books” a law that prohibits HIV-positive people from entering the country.
Kerry and Smith say the U.S. is one of just 12 countries that uphold such an exclusion. “Unfortunately, as we open our wallets to fund lifesaving treatments to those living with HIV/AIDS overseas, we will not open our doors,” they write. “Such a discriminatory policy has no basis in public health, let alone common sense.”
Kerry and Smith commend President Bush for his plans to weaken the ban, but maintain that it should be removed altogether “so that HIV is considered like any other infectious disease.”
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comments 1 - 4 (of 4 total)
Richard, , 2008-07-02 16:09:04
Yes, this law is a real holdover from the Dark Ages of AIDS ignorance, and America ought ot be a country with a more enlightened view. As a former resident of Oregon, and a Democrat, I came to respect Senator Gordon Smith, a Republican, for his moderate and sensible views and opinions on many subjects. I once more applaud him for joining with John Kerry to call for the repeal of this ridiculous and hypocritcal law.
Tom, , 2008-07-02 15:12:23
Many countries have conditional "restrictions" but only 12 have all out "bans" on access and residence, and these are Armenia, Brunei, China, Iraq, Qatar, South Korea, Lbya, Moldova, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and the USA. Some of these countries are actively deporting HIV+ foreigners.
Daniel, Tel Aviv, 2008-06-29 04:19:39
ABOUT DAMN TIME! Of all the stupid laws the USA has enacted this one was one of the top 10. It doesn't prevent anything and only sends the signal that the USA is run by bigoted fools. Thank heaven that some people are finally waking up on Capital Hill regarding this topic.
Charlie, Honolulu, HI, 2008-06-28 18:06:38
I would like to know the other 12 countries not allowing HIV pos people through their gates?
"I'm HIV positive and diabetic (as well as have high cholesterol) and some of my meds specify taking them with 'high fat foods' which I have to do twice a day. I've eaten as healthy as possible, but when it comes to high fat foods, I am in a quandary...about what to eat sometimes..."
