The Bush Administration's reactionary, "family values" rhetoric is costing lives in Africa. UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa Stephan Lewis says the new policy of promoting abstinence leads to more unprotected sex as less condoms are being distributed in Uganda. The result could be a devastating rise in HIV infection-rates. Uganda normally uses 150 to 180 million condoms a year; since the Bush administration has cut funding, only 32 million have been made available. Condom use had been the cornerstone of Uganda's much-praised fight against HIV; current infection rates are around 6 percent today, from 30 percent in the early 1990s, a rare success story in Africa. Meanwhile, Uganda's homophobic government insists there is "no shortage."
LA-based foundation to donate 1 million condoms to Uganda.
Maryland judge hears challenges to state's ban on prohibition of same-sex marriages.
State and federal agents raid Parliament House in Orlando, arresting all 12 bar employees. Investigators say minors were used to test the club's system of identifying bracelets on underage patrons, and were served drinks. Parliament House has been in business for more than 30 years, is frequently used as a venue for events associated with Gay Days at Disney World, and has been targeted by anti-gay groups.
i think it is tragic that the members of the Bush Administration have not come up the speed with regards to the issue of sex. People are going to have it regardless of what you tell them, so why not create a policy that is based on that notion. I find that abstinence policies are a product of wishfull thinking and not in touch with reality. It is tragic and many people will pay with their lives as a result of it...
Posted by: Paul A. Harris Jr. | 30 August 2005 at 15:01
Parliament House...I have mixed feelings about that place. I went there in 2002 with an ex during our vacation to his old stomping grounds in Orlando. Great dance floor, fun vibe, good song choices. But it's one of the few times I've truly felt unsafe. Some of the people scared me. The things that went on there...well, they should only be going on behind closed doors. But the doors were open, the curtains back and you could watch/participate in just about anything sexually or drug-inclined. Do we need places like that to express our hedonistic selves? Is our sense of community that tied to partying and sex? I dunno. Despite my reservations I'm sad to know its troubles. Perhaps it's a sense of good and bad history a place like that provides.
Posted by: B | 31 August 2005 at 07:20