Duty Before Votes—caygill (Press, 22 October 1988)

On 22 October 1988, the Minister of Health, Mr Caygill, addressed the important balance between appealing to “moral majority” voters and advancing safe sexual practices at the opening of the Ettie Rout A.I.D.S. Clinic in Christchurch. He expressed his personal reluctance to promote condom usage but acknowledged the necessity of doing so if it is the best public health measure to combat the A.I.D.S. virus, which he noted is fatal. Mr Caygill highlighted the significance of making informed decisions based on medical and scientific evidence in the fight against A.I.D.S. He commended the efforts of individuals involved in the New Zealand A.I.D.S. Foundation and paid tribute to the work of its board member, Mr Alastair Hall. Hall challenged Caygill to address concerns regarding the restricted access to effective treatments available overseas, including aerosol pentamidine, Al 721, and IV Vitamin C, among others. He emphasised the need for social change regarding attitudes towards the homosexual community, intravenous drug users, the specific needs of the Māori community, and advocated for the provision of condoms in prisons. Responding to Hall's concerns, Mr Caygill stated he would consider the issues raised about medication and reiterated the necessity of heeding advice from those experienced in dealing with A.I.D.S. He indicated a willingness to pursue the issue of condom availability in prisons in collaboration with the A.I.D.S. Council. Mr Caygill reflected on the urgency of addressing A.I.D.S., recalling the often-prejudical views of society in relation to sexual health issues. He noted that Ettie Rout, a historical figure known for her controversial campaign promoting condom use among World War I soldiers, faced similar societal contempt, being dubbed the “wickedest woman in the world” by an English bishop. Despite the stigma surrounding her efforts, Rout ran a campaign that ultimately protected many New Zealand soldiers from venereal diseases, exemplifying an early battle against sexual health stigma. The opening ceremony of the clinic included a Māori prayer and concluded with Mr Caygill receiving a bouquet of helium-filled coloured condoms as a light-hearted memento of the occasion. The Ettie Rout A.I.D.S. Clinic, located at 453 Montreal Street, aims to provide vital information, support, and counselling services to those affected by A.I.D.S. and to promote safer sexual practices within the community.

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