Prime Minister John Howard today said that he believes HIV positive people should not be allowed to immigrate to Australia.

Speaking to the Southern Cross radio network, Howard said, “My initial reaction is no [they should not be allowed in]. There may be some humanitarian considerations that could temper that in certain cases but prima facie – no.” He then went on to say he would like “more counsel” on the issue.

HIV legal campaigners have this afternoon said that Howard should be investigated for discriminating against people with the virus.

Howard was commenting in response to new Victorian health department figures that showed the number of HIV positive people moving to the state had quadrupled in the past two years.

Current Australian immigration rules require permanent residents to have a HIV test, but a positive result does not mean that a person’s visa would be denied. Howard said today that he will look at changing that. “I think we should have the most stringent possible conditions in relation to that nationwide.”

It’s the latest in a series of regressive moves from the most conservative Prime Minister that Australia has ever had. Don’t forget, this is the same man who has single handedly vetoed any move by progressive Australia States to recognise same-sex unions, despite the global shift being made to legalising gay marriages.

God speed the next elections.