Last Friday, we celebrated the end of a 22-year legislation that prevented HIV-positive people from entering the United States. President Obama announced the elimination of this ban at a signing ceremony for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act.
The United States is one of only a dozen counties that still bars entry to people living with HIV. This action by the administration tears down the stigma of the disease, opening new doors for communicating prevention and treatment. HIV/AIDS is a global issue and one that we must think about in that way. In order to combat this epidemic, the U.S. finally is taking a major step in elevating this very important conversation.
Physicians for Human Rights CEO Frank Donaghue said, "Today is a great day for human rights and for people living with AIDS, their friends and their families … The HIV Travel Ban made the United States a pariah in human rights circles, and harmed our reputation as a world leader of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care.”
Additionally, President Obama also signed a legislation to extend federally funded HIV/AIDS treatment for thousands of underinsured low-income Americans, including a focus on minorities.
What do you think this legislation means for the LGBT community?
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