Sat 31 Oct 2009 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
President Obama has signed a Bill, which will come into effect in January, ending a 22-year ban on HIV+ people entering America. "Twenty-two years ago, in a decision rooted in fear rather than fact, the United States instituted a travel ban on entry into the country for people living with HIV/AIDS," he said just prior to the signing. "Now, we talk about reducing the stigma of this disease – yet we've treated a visitor living with it as a threat. "We lead the world when it comes to helping stem the AIDS pandemic – yet we are one of only a dozen countries that still bar people from HIV from entering our own country." When lifting the travel ban was approved by the United States Senate last year, the CEO of New Zealand HIV+ people's support network Bruce Kilmister said he was delighted, as he had known Kiwis who had been turned around after their flight to the US and sent back on the next plane. "I also know people who've been arrested and held under armed guard whilst they're in transit," he said. "This Bill brings the USA up to date with the rest of the world." Obama noted that Congress and President Bush began the process of eliminating the travel ban. "They ought to be commended for it. We are finishing the job. It's a step that will encourage people to get tested and get treatment, it's a step that will keep families together, and it's a step that will save lives." There are now over 1.1 million people in the United States living with HIV. A video clip showing Obama's speech about the Bill is below, and a full transcript is available here.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Saturday, 31st October 2009 - 11:03am