AEGiS-Reuters: EU Socialists petition for tax cut on condoms

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

EU Socialists petition for tax cut on condoms

Reuters NewMedia - November 8, 2007

BRUSSELS, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Aiming to combat AIDS by cutting the cost of safe sex, the European Parliament's Socialist group launched a campaign on Thursday to press EU governments to cut sales tax on condoms.

The 27 European Union member states are free to fix their own Value Added Tax rates on condoms, with a nimimum level of five percent. It is as high as 25 percent in Sweden and Denmark.

"Cutting VAT on condoms to the minimum rate would be both a practical step in tackling AIDS and a powerful symbolic gesture on World AIDS Day (Dec. 1)," Socialist group vice-president Jan Marinus Wiersma said on launching an online petition at www.socialistgroup.eu.

World Health Organisation figures showed HIV infection rates were growing in Europe, with nearly 27,000 new cases reported in 2005, he said.

---

Editing by Giles Elgood

071108
RE071111

Copyright © 2007 - Reuters, Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Contact Reuters.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2007. 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, 2007. 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. .