Stronger Line On A.I.D.S. Favoured (Press, 26 November 1984)

A recent poll indicates that a significant majority of New Zealanders support prosecuting blood donors who knowingly put others at risk of contracting AIDS. The survey, conducted by “Sunday”-AGB Spectrum and featured on a television programme, found that 82 per cent of participants, out of a sample of 520, were in favour of legal action against such donors, while only 18 per cent opposed it. Overall, the results showed that 92 per cent of respondents expressed concern over AIDS, with just 4 per cent unconcerned. When looking at different age groups, the poll revealed that younger individuals, specifically those aged 18 to 29, were less worried about AIDS compared to older demographics. Among those aged 30 to 39, 91 per cent were anxious about the disease, which rose to 97 per cent among respondents aged 40 to 49, whereas concern slightly dipped to 94 per cent among those over 50. There was notable support for increased governmental action to combat AIDS. Eighty-four per cent of those surveyed believed the government should allocate more funds to enhance blood donation screening for the virus, while only 6 per cent suggested this should be postponed and 10 per cent opposed any financial investment in screening. When asked if only women should be permitted to donate blood, 57 per cent agreed, with a breakdown revealing 64 per cent of women in favour compared to 49 per cent of men. The poll, which was conducted recently with a margin of error of plus or minus 5 per cent, also disclosed that an impressive 95 per cent of participants were aware of AIDS. In response to the findings, the Wellington Lesbian and Gay Rights Resource Centre argued that the AIDS crisis provides a strong case for decriminalising male homosexual activity. The centre's administrator, Philip Parkinson, pointed out that some homosexual men might feel compelled to donate blood to disguise their sexual orientation to their employers, families, or friends. He noted that societal pressures might lead them to give blood, and suggested that not participating could result in accusations of being homosexual. Parkinson argued for the decriminalisation of male homosexual activities on equal terms as heterosexual activities, as well as extending the Human Rights Commission Act to offer protections for gay individuals.

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