Taylor (imported) wrote: Tue Jul 25, 2006 11:26 am
Boy, this is dangerous water we're treading here.
Ok, so what is the solution? Any suggestions? (Don't anyone say we should spend more money. That isn't a solution, it's merely a salve for the conscience.)
If we really wanted to get serious about communicable diseases, we'd initiate nationwide testing and identify those who are infected. Once identified they should be treated and counseled on not infecting others. Once identified, if someone infects another then they SHOULD be imprisoned for life.
When I was sexually promiscuous and not self destructive I assumed everyone could be a carrier. I protected myself with that attitude and actions. Until you enter into a committed relationship and you both are tested I think it is important to err on the side of caution.
It is a point worth noting that any sexually promiscious male or female who knowingly has HIV+ who passes the disease on is commiting a crime, at least in the UK, but I imagine, more widely. They face imprisonment for their action.
No-one has any sympathy for such wicked dangerous behaviour and whilst I read the remark about forcibly castrating them, I for one would hugely hesitate.Maybe chemical castration during and after imprisonment for this tiny percentage of people could be considered.
More importantly we must take on what A-1 has just written about education and attitudes. Some poor young people catch HIV after their first sexual encounter and many have died. None have deserved too and our support and care and consideration ought to be our first response to the victims of HIV.
Any sort of castration is something which requires long, serious thought and on this website aren't we looking at it from the perspectives of choice and lifestyle?
It is up to 'the state' to consider when it has to intervene. As far as I am aware chemical castration is used only 'involuntarily' on serious sexual child attackers. Our attitudes to AIDS needs serious attention. Society is organising for the children of Africa, but when it comes to males in their own countries it seems we need gay charities, such as the Terence Higgins Trust here in the UK.
Anyone who knowingly passes on HIV is contemptible and a criminal, I agree, no matter what their sex or sexuality.
As already stated though these are dangerous waters. Anyone who has acquired HIV/Aids needs to know that there are counsellors and people who are on hand for them.
