Conservative Group Pressures White House to Reverse Waiver for HIV+ Gay Games Athletes
Thu. March 16, 2006 12:00 AM by Kevin Wayne
Chicago, IL -
The Illinois Family Institute, a conservative political group, is pressuring the Bush administration to revoke special visas allowing HIV-positive foreigners to compete in the Gay Games to be held in Chicago, Illnois.
A 1993 federal law prohibits HIV-positive visitors from entering the United States without a special visa.
Earlier this year, a U.S. federal blanket waiver was approved by the Department of Homeland Security allowing non-U.S. citizens living with HIV/AIDS to travel to the United States to participate in or attend the Gay Games.
A similar waiver was granted for the 1994 Gay Games in New York.
But Peter LaBarbera, the Executive Director of the Illinois Family Institute, claims that allowing HIV-positive athletes into the country is a public health threat. In an IFI press release, LaBarbera says "Reinstating the ban on HIV-infected travelers for the July 'Gay Games' is the best way to protect Illinois citizens, and people worldwide, from deadly and communicable diseases."
Additionally LaBarbera claims "These homosexual 'games' already officially promote dangerous sexual activity."
Kevin Boyer, spokesman for the Gay Games, told the Chicago Sun-Times that the IFI's attempt to equate HIV with the gay community is using a "tired right-wing strategy" that isn't accepted by society.
The White House hasn't commented on the request.
A 1993 federal law prohibits HIV-positive visitors from entering the United States without a special visa.
Earlier this year, a U.S. federal blanket waiver was approved by the Department of Homeland Security allowing non-U.S. citizens living with HIV/AIDS to travel to the United States to participate in or attend the Gay Games.
A similar waiver was granted for the 1994 Gay Games in New York.
But Peter LaBarbera, the Executive Director of the Illinois Family Institute, claims that allowing HIV-positive athletes into the country is a public health threat. In an IFI press release, LaBarbera says "Reinstating the ban on HIV-infected travelers for the July 'Gay Games' is the best way to protect Illinois citizens, and people worldwide, from deadly and communicable diseases."
Additionally LaBarbera claims "These homosexual 'games' already officially promote dangerous sexual activity."
Kevin Boyer, spokesman for the Gay Games, told the Chicago Sun-Times that the IFI's attempt to equate HIV with the gay community is using a "tired right-wing strategy" that isn't accepted by society.
The White House hasn't commented on the request.