Washington Blade - May 24, 2002

LONDON -- Elton John, one of Tony Blair's most prominent celebrity supporters, said the British prime minister should be "thoroughly ashamed" of his government's record on AIDS prevention, Reuters reported. In an interview with Sky News, John said he was "disgusted" with what he saw as a failure by Blair and the government to do more in the fight against AIDS. "They should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. I hate to say it, because I did vote for them, but I'm disgusted with the way the health service in England is operating," said John, whose own AIDS foundation has funneled millions of dollars into treatment and prevention over the past decade. "We [in Britain] had a great record on AIDS when we started but that record is now not as good as it was under the Thatcher government. You should be ashamed of yourselves -- you're socialists or you should be," he said, referring to Blair and his Labour government. A spokesman for the Department of Health said claims by the singer that less money was being allocated for AIDS programs were not correct. "All HIV work is now within mainstream NHS spending. It is not separated out as it used to be," he said, adding. "You cannot say spending has fallen, it is not worked out like that."

Wash. HIV panel issues stern warning to gays

SEATTLE -- The state's Governor's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS wrote an open letter to gays as a warning and a cry for help in an effort to lower growing HIV rates, the Seattle Times reported. It will be published around in late June to coincide with Gay Pride events. "It's time to take responsibility again," the letter says. "We were in the same position 20 years ago. Gay men took to the streets and demanded change and responsibility from each other. And it worked. Gay men changed their behaviors. Don't put at risk all that has been accomplished. Don't fret away what many of our brothers have died for." The council, which is appointed by the governor, hopes to place the letter in gay newspapers across the state. Members said the expect some criticism over the letter. "The letter is saying, 'How about taking pride in yourself?'" Tim Hillard, its principal author, told the Times. "We're saying you can enjoy sex, but you have a responsibility not only to yourself, but to your partners to remember that HIV plays a role in your decision making," he said.

Mo. lawmakers pass tough HIV reporting law

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- People with HIV could face more prison time for exposing others to the disease, according to a Missouri bill headed to the governor for his signature. The measure, which passed the Senate by a 28-1 vote on May 17, was sponsored by Sen. David Klarich (R-Clayton). "This is a public safety issue," Klarish said. "This helps those who may be victims of those who have the HIV virus. The legislation should have been done years ago." Under the bill, people who know they have HIV yet have sex without telling their partners about the disease could face five to 15 years in prison. If a sexual partner becomes infected with HIV, the punishment could be life in prison. Current law mandates a five-year prison term if people with HIV fail to tell their sexual partners about the disease. The legislation also would allow the court to test suspected sex offenders for HIV and tell alleged victims the results. Also, the bill would give prosecutors easier access to HIV test results.

Pot researchers say government weed is weak

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- In the world of high-grade marijuana, sticks, seeds and stems are not welcome ingredients. Medical marijuana researchers said they found such cannabis chaff among pot from a government farm, and say their patients deserve kinder buds. The government-grown marijuana is being provided to San Mateo County for the first publicly funded analysis of HIV patients smoking the drug at home. But some of the patients and medical marijuana advisory groups say the Mississippi-grown weed is weak. "It's unconscionable that they would be giving this marijuana to patients," said Dale Gieringer, state coordinator for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. "It's stale, low-potency ditch weed. There are fewer than 10 people taking part in the study originally planned for 60 participants. One man gave up smoking the government-grade joints altogether after he became fed up with the low quality. But government officials defend their marijuana. "The marijuana we provide does not contain sticks and seeds. The problem is re-humidifying. It makes it kind of harsh," said Steve Gust, special assistant to the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

From staff and wire reports
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