From Bangkok to Broadway, People with AIDS Demand Justice and Health Care: Thousands of AIDS Activists to join "March on New York: Still We Rise" at Republican National Convention on August 30, 2004


WASHINGTON - July 14 - On the heels of protest at International AIDS Conference, AIDS activists issue call for mass participation in permitted march on the opening afternoon of the convention, from Union Square to Madison Square Garden.

Thousand of people with HIV/AIDS and their supporters are issuing a call for mass participation to join with the Still We Rise Coaltion and the Hip Hop Summit Action Network in a march on the opening day of the Republican National Convention in New York, citing the role of Federal policies on medical care, treatment access, HIV prevention, housing, immigration, welfare and criminal justice issues in determining the course of the epidemic in the US and worldwide.

"This week, my brothers and sisters are raising their voices in Thailand, calling for a change to US policies that tie our hands in fighting this epidemic. There's been a mounting death toll through every presidential administration while we continue to block funding for needle exchange or put up roadblocks to getting AIDS drugs to poor nations" said Jose de Marco of ACT UP Philadelphia and CHAMP. "Believe me, those of us who continue to bury our friends and loved ones, here and around the world, know what it takes to stop this epidemic. If you¹re running around saying stuff like condoms don't work, or cutting funds for the programs our lives depend upon, you're dreaming if you think you are fighting AIDS. And I'm coming with thousands of my best friends to make that clear in New York City on August 30."