John Howard: HIV Not Welcome in Australia

Local News, By Tim D, 13th April, 2007

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.

Comments

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hazyinseptember

said ages ago

this is not something new, i know of people being not allowed
into america because of their hiv status. i think we should
reject more dumbass, redneck, politicians..

jasn_REMOVED

said ages ago

And everyone who automatically opposes John Howard on this
issue have bought the latest Big Issue. Or, at least, offered a
homeless person a home. It's a similar concept to accepting HIV
people. Diluting your resources to help yourself to help
others.

Christian Taylor

said ages ago

my god john howard is so TEDIOUS! can someone please just press
DELETE?

jackie87

said ages ago

I'm not surprised that he will continue to jump on the populist
bandwagon and discriminate but its about time Australia voted
with their feet and got rid of this disgusting cretin.

meezon04

said ages ago

not sure how to react to this one - part of me agrees with him,
but yeh discrimination - guess he can't win em all...

rheiner

said ages ago

Things to do today: 1. Re-read article with 'breast cancer' in
place of HIV2. Imagine public outcry at such a suggestion3.
Enjoy deafening silence4. Reflect on joy of living in Australia
in 2007.

amband

said ages ago

As much as I can't stand his politics, Mr Howard is correct
here. Politicians are already constitutionally obliged to
prevent disease coming into the country. Pity they didn't read
the bloody constitution.

The Gay Curmudgeon

said ages ago

Hey Amband, can you explain where in the Constitution
politicians are obliged to "prevent disease coming into the
country"? My reading doesn't show any such obligation. Are
you confusing powers (1.V.51.ix & xxvii) with obligations?

kylierose

said ages ago

i'm shocked at these comments, but not really that surprised.
the trouble is that there are contingencies within the
population who would agree with him and that's why he feels
comfortable presenting these views. may well we say.....

Giorni

said ages ago

Rheiner, I totally agree with your analogy. Bring on the next
election, please!

Tristianity

said ages ago

Am i the only right winged fag on here? I'd rather Howard then
Rudd any day.

Brunhilde

said ages ago

Howard is only doing what is in Australia's national interest.
There has been a 45% rise in HIV infections in Australia in 5
years. That statistic is terrifying. We need to do all that we
can to reduce further infections in this country.

danny corvini

said ages ago

Be prepared for Howard to attempt to use this disease as this
year's year's grubby wedge issue.

jasn_REMOVED

said ages ago

Elderly British immigrants aren't allowed in unless they fork
over massive amounts of money, even when they retain their UK
pension. Is this discrimination? Or protection of our already
buckling aged care and health system.

danny corvini

said ages ago

I think it is good policy - I just don't like the way Howard is
using it.

Giorni

said ages ago

Tristianity, the moment that any of the right wing parties
actually DO something positive for the gay community, instead
of talk about it and then do the opposite, I might, only might,
consider voting for them. But I'm not holding my breath!

imthinking

said ages ago

The law already excludes most people with HIV migrating to Oz.
No business or points based migration is possible if you are
HIV. If you are a refugee or family of an Australian you may,
exceptionally, get a health waiver. It's hardly easy already!

danny corvini

said ages ago

I just hope that the Australian media is wise enough after all
of these years to see how Howard manipulates people's fears to
his advantage, even if the 'risk' is hardly there (ie baby
overboard drama)

shaynesydney

said ages ago

Of course Hiv people, foreigners, and especially homosexual men
are devious and cannot be trusted to act responsibly. I see a
new Tampa on the horizon, and it's name is "HIV'. What a vote
winning mix of xenophobia and homophobia.

cazz

said ages ago

I agree with john Howard on this! i do not usually agree with
his policies.

danny corvini

said ages ago

Yes, and tie in the myth that those people bringing HIV in are
African refugees, and you have Howard Gold..

shaynesydney

said ages ago

even worse, danny....'men of middle eastern appearance!
(shudder).

danny corvini

said ages ago

Fortunately for them, they have managed to escape the virus's
clutch to the extent of the poor African continent....

shaynesydney

said ages ago

well, that's an interesting point, danni. In my experience, MSM
was pretty common in Muslim countries bocs sexual contact with
wimmin b4 marriage is verboten. So how come their low HIV
rates?

shaynesydney

said ages ago

ooops, I mean Danny, not danni...gawds, I am SUUUUCH a queen!

About The Author

Tim D

Tim D joined us ages ago.

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