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Str8 HIV partner was NZAF volunteer

Mon 7 Mar 2005 In: New Zealand Daily News

A heterosexual man charged with putting his female partner at risk of contracting HIV was a volunteer for the NZ AIDS Foundation at the time of the alleged offending. The Wellington court has reserved its decision in a case whereby a woman says she was incapable of saying no to her then-partner's overtures for condom-less sex and even returned to the relationship after splitting up. She is also claiming compensation from ACC. Her partner says he regrets not telling her he was HIV positive but says they used condoms. The case is one of two before the NZ courts regarding alleged unsafe sex by HIV positive heterosxuals which could have profound consequences for the gay community and is being keenly observed by overseas communities and HIV educators. The NZAF has declined to comment on the man's involvement as a volunteer but has previously advised all people to engage in safe sex whether or not there is HIV present in one or both partners, and whether or not a partner discloses his or her status. "We must not get into the habit of relying on having HIV positive people admit their status," says a spokesperson for the NZAF. "We must remember that many people who have HIV do not know it, and even if someone believes they are not carying the virus there is no guarantee that they have not contracted it and will not pass it on."    

Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff

First published: Monday, 7th March 2005 - 12:00pm

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