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PRESIDENTIAL RACE CANDIDATES OFFERS CONTRASTING RECORDS ON HIV/AIDS
Gay Men's Health Crisis Releases Updated Report
October 28, 2008, New York, NY — Presidential nominees Barack Obama and John McCain, along with their respective Vice Presidential running mates, Joseph Biden and Sarah Palin, have sharply divergent records on HIV/AIDS, according to a revised report released today, "McCain-Palin vs. Obama-Biden on HIV/AIDS Issues," by Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), the nation's largest HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services organization.
Since releasing its initial report on the candidates in December 2007, GMHC has closely monitored what the candidates have said on HIV/AIDS issues throughout the summer, during the conventions, at the debates, as well as on the campaign trail.
Obama-Biden are supportive of the key domestic and global HIV/AIDS policy priorities of GMHC, while McCain-Palin are largely opposed. Specific contrasting issues highlighted in the report include:
Obama |
McCain |
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| Supports comprehensive sex education |
Supports abstinence-only-until-marriage programs |
| Supports syringe exchange programs |
Silent on syringe exchange programs |
| Supports Early Treatment for HIV Act |
Opposes Early Treatment for HIV Act |
| Supports Employment Non-Discrimination Act |
Opposes Employment Non-Discrimination Act |
| Supports civil union for same-sex couples |
Opposes recognition of same-sex relationships |
| Primary sponsor of Microbicide Development Act |
Voted to involuntarily test people for HIV |
| Supports distribution of condoms in prison |
Voted to prevent people with HIV/AIDS from entering the country |
The report can be found at http://www.gmhc.org/PDF/pres_report.pdf.
"This report provides keen insight into which direction this country will take in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Incidence of HIV infection is on the rise, however that tide can once again be turned around with sound public policy," stated Dr. Marjorie J. Hill, Chief Executive Officer of Gay Men's Health Crisis. "The next President will have a great impact on the epidemic that will affect the health of millions of Americans, as well as a direction for the next generation."
This is a pivotal election year and much is at stake. The next President will direct the U.S. response to the domestic and global HIV/AIDS crisis for years to come.
One week from now we will choose the 44th President of the United States. We must ensure that his urgent priorities will include people living with HIV/AIDS and the ultimate goal of ending this devastating epidemic.
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Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide prevention and care services to more than 15,000 men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City, and advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.
Our Mission: GMHC fights to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected.
© 2008 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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