Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - July 6, 2009
Paul Thorn, 38, an expert on HIV and TB, was stopped from speaking at the Pacific health summit in Seattle after admitting his HIV status on his visa entry form.
He was moved to write an impassioned letter which was read in his place, saying the policy was founded in fear and the US had no right to call itself a world leader in the fight against the disease.
He said: "In the past when I have been to the US I have always lied on the form, but this time I thought "no, I'm not going to do that".
"It's annoying that the US gives you two choices: to commit a crime by lying on the form; or tell the truth and be turned away as an undesirable."I didn't think I was either of those things. I decided to make a stand."
Quote: " It means I can go to Disneyland if I want to. It sounds flippant, but when you think about it, why shouldn't people with HIV be able to do that? " -- Paul Thorn
Mr Thorn's letter was picked up by Congressman Jim McDermott, who wrote to the Obama administration's health secretary, calling on them to push through the process of repealing the law.
The US Senate voted to overturn the rule, which has been in force since 1987, in July last year.
The provision lifting the ban was part of a bill granting some $50bn in funding for the fight against HIV/Aids throughout the world.
"What we wanted to do was get it moving in the right direction," Mr Thorne, 38, from Brighton, said.
"If the US wants to hold events like the Pacific health summit, and the International Aids Society wants to hold its conference in Washington DC in 2012, you need people from the HIV community there."
With the help of Congressman McDermott and Results - an international lobby group - the ban is set to disappear by the end of this year.
Mr Thorn said: "It means I can go to Disneyland if I want to. It sounds flippant, but when you think about it, why shouldn't people with HIV be able to do that?
"It does mean that people with HIV can visit family and friends in the US, and people who might not have told their employer about it can go there for work without worrying."
He added: "This is all about the US taking its rightful place as one of the leaders in dealing with the problem of HIV - welcome back."
090706
BB090704
Copyright © 2009 - BBC. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BBC.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2009. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2009. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.