IGLHRC Commends Kerry's Statement; Condemns HIV Ban as Human Rights Violation


The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) applauds Senator John Kerry's commitment to "work with Congress to lift the (United States) immigration ban on HIV-positive people" if elected President. Kerry made the pledge in a press statement marking the opening of the XV International AIDS Conference in Bangkok, noting that the ban has long prohibited the US from hosting this important world meeting.

In addition, IGLHRC appeals to all governments to vigorously uphold their duty to respect, protect and fulfill the rights of all, and in particular, those living with HIV/AIDS. The U.S. bar stands among the world's most stringent. Other with comparable restrictive polices are Russia, Quatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The U.S. ban, which prohibits anyone with HIV from entering the U.S. without a special waiver, violates the fundamental right to be free from discrimination, the right to life and personal security and the right to freedom of movement. These are rights recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and are implicitly or explicitly noted in almost every human rights treaty. The HIV immigration ban unfairly sets people with HIV apart from those with other diseases and disabilities, despite the fact that HIV is not transmitted casually. It plays into hostility and hatred toward persons with HIV.