Homosexuals ‘main .syphilis Carriers’ (Press, 22 October 1971)
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Summary: Homosexuals ‘main .syphilis Carriers’ (Press, 22 October 1971)
Seventy per cent of the syphilis cases treated at a venereal disease clinic in Sydney were found to be transmitted by male homosexuals, according to Mrs Barbara Sherman, a social worker from the New South Wales Department of Health. Speaking at a conference on venereology in Christchurch, Mrs Sherman expressed that the secretive nature of the homosexual community complicated treatment efforts. However, she noted that attitudes were shifting as individuals became more aware that they could receive treatment without fear of legal consequences. Mrs Sherman emphasised that the clinic does not pass moral judgments and aims solely to provide treatment. She stated that any attempts to criticise or condemn patients could deter them from seeking help. In her view, venereal diseases are not moral issues, and confidentiality is preserved; they do not report cases of homosexually-transmitted syphilis to the police, despite such practices being illegal in Australia. This approach encourages patients to communicate openly and seek treatment, thereby helping to reach more individuals in need of care. She highlighted the misconception among many male homosexuals that they could not transmit venereal diseases. In New South Wales, approximately 4,000 cases of gonorrhoea and 500 cases of syphilis are reported annually, but Mrs Sherman believes this accounts for only about 10 per cent of the actual figures. She noted that many doctors hesitate to notify health authorities about cases, arguing it is to protect patient privacy, which further perpetuates the stigma and secrecy surrounding these diseases. Effective treatment with penicillin means that although syphilis can be dangerous if untreated, the outlook remains positive if individuals come forward for help. Mrs Sherman concluded that simply enacting laws would not resolve the issue of syphilis; rather, open communication and willingness to seek treatment are vital for addressing the epidemic.
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