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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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6

African Lawmaker Calls for 'Branding' HIV Sufferers

Swaziland MP slammed for suggesting compulsory testing, warning logos

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(Newser) – A member of Swaziland's parliament has come under fire for suggesting making HIV tests compulsory and branding warning logos on the buttocks of those with the disease, the Telegraph reports. "Before having sex with anyone, people will have to check their partners' buttocks before proceeding," he explained. Health campaigners in the country—where the HIV infection rate, at 43%, is the highest in the world—accused the lawmaker of disregarding human rights.

"How can a legislator lobby for the branding of HIV positive people?" asked one health campaigner. "We do not need legislators who think like him."

Model Christy Turlington is seen at an HIV support group, Hope Heals, in Swaziland where 43% of the country's people are believed to be HIV positive.
Model Christy Turlington is seen at an HIV support group, Hope Heals, in Swaziland where 43% of the country's people are believed to be HIV positive.   (AP Photo/RED)
Women stand in line for food on the outskirts of Swaziland's capital, Mbabane.
Women stand in line for food on the outskirts of Swaziland's capital, Mbabane.   (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam)
Model Christy Turlington is seen with some children orphaned by AIDS in Swaziland.
Model Christy Turlington is seen with some children orphaned by AIDS in Swaziland.   (AP Photo/RED)
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Before having sex with anyone, people will have to check their partners' buttocks before proceeding. - Swaziland MP Timothy Myeri

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6 comments
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Derni
May 26, 09 7:09 AM CDT
Great idea and we can also use different signs for those that have other STD's and then we can have one for each phyiscal disease and of course various mental disorders-why not just put a bar sacning code with numbers and give everyone a scanner-or maybe we can progress to a stage like some alien forms and have mental sex and orgasm by sharing our thoughts. Reply
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Derni
May 26, 09 7:11 AM CDT
I guess in Africa bend over and bare it takes on a whole new mea ning-i realize the terrible problem Africa has due to its rate of infection and spread of the disease-what are the other options.\? Reply
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TerrifiedCitizen
May 26, 09 8:41 AM CDT
Human rights should extend to potential victims as well as those reckless with their lives... the partner also has a 'human right' to know if they are subjecting themselves to sickness and possible death. Reply
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riffran
May 26, 09 9:17 AM CDT
glad I don't live in that hell hole.between insane war lords, rampant disease and profound ignorance and poverty of the majority of the population....suprised they arent all gone yet Reply
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chasmokasperski
May 26, 09 12:58 PM CDT
scarlet letter? Reply
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