Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1985. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The New York Times - November 19, 1985
Appearing on the WNBC-TV program "News Forum," the Commissioner, Dr. David Axelrod, said that since new state regulations intended to help stem the spread of AIDS went into effect on Oct. 25, patronage had declined at bathhouses, clubs and bars catering to homosexuals where customers engage in anal and oral sex.
But he said there were indications of "movement of some of these activities to other kinds of establishments," especially hotels.
State and city inspectors, Dr. Axelrod said, are authorized to order action against any public establishment that "promotes" sexual activities that spread AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, an incurable disease that weakens the body's ability to resist infection. AIDS principally affects homosexuals and intravenous drug abusers.
He said that his office had received information that such activities might be taking place at certain hotels and that he was prepared to act on the reports.
"We won't inspect hotel rooms" routinely, Dr. Axelrod said. But, he added, "If we find that the hotel, by virtue of information that we obtain, is catering to that kind of activity, then I think we will have reason to take action and, if necessary, a warrant to go into the rooms if it becomes essential."
The regulations are not specifically aimed at homosexuals, Dr. Axelrod said, and cannot be expected to eliminate all dangerous sexual behavior in public places. But the state and city, he said, will "continue to look for" ways to limit such practices, among both homosexuals and heterosexuals.
"Our concern is not who you are, but what you do and how you place yourself at risk in public establishments," the state's chief health officer said. "That's what we want to eliminate."
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