‘Soft’ Attitude Deplored (Press, 19 November 1984)

On 19 November 1984, the Very Rev. Lance Shilton, the Dean of Sydney, made controversial statements regarding the AIDS crisis in Australia, attributing it to a lenient attitude towards homosexuality. He expressed strong criticism towards both AIDS carriers and politicians who supported the decriminalisation of homosexuality, claiming they were complicit in the situation and suggesting that they had "blood on their hands." Shilton argued it was essential to reject the promotion of homosexuality as a valid alternative to heterosexual relationships, calling for governments to urgently legislate penalties against homosexuals who donate blood, as the current honesty system had proven ineffective in preventing contamination. His comments came in the wake of the tragic deaths of three babies in Queensland who received contaminated blood transfusions, prompting Shilton to back New South Wales Premier Neville Wran's suggestion for increasing female blood bank donors. Shilton further accused gay activists of ignoring divine laws, suggesting that their actions had led to dire consequences not only for themselves but also for innocent victims affected by the HIV/AIDS virus. In the United States, the American Red Cross announced the development of a computerised list of potential donors identified as either HIV-positive or at high risk for infection. This system was intended to prevent contaminated blood donations, but it raised concerns among local gay leaders, who feared that such a list could lead to discrimination against homosexuals. Dr. Carroll Spurting, director of Red Cross blood operations in California, attempted to assuage these fears, stating that confidentiality would be guaranteed, and that similar measures had been successfully implemented for hepatitis management in the past. However, Randy Pesquiera, coordinator of the AIDS Response Programme at the Gay and Lesbian Community Services Centre of Orange County, warned that marking someone as a gay person could lead to potential risks for those on the list, including possible discrimination from employers or insurers. He emphasised the importance of caution among homosexuals when considering blood donations, despite the Red Cross's reassurances regarding confidentiality. This situation reflected broader societal tensions surrounding the AIDS epidemic and the treatment of homosexual communities during that era.

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