UNAIDS Head Worried by Rising Antigay Tide

By Julie Bolcer

Michel Sidibé X390 (SOURCE: AFRICANSUCCESS.ORG) | ADVOCATE.COM

UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibé leveled criticism Monday against laws that criminalize homosexuality, saying that punitive stances make it significantly more difficult for his agency to maintain progress in the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS.

Sidibé spoke at a luncheon for journalists Monday at the U.N. Foundation in New York City. He received the Outspoken Award from the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission later that evening.

Declaring the AIDS epidemic to be “in transition,” Sidibé noted substantial progress, saying that more than 4 million people were being treated for the disease worldwide today, compared to just 50,000 receiving treatment in South Africa five years ago. However, the agency head expressed worry about the increasing inability to reach marginalized groups such as gays, sex workers, and drug users, often because of laws that criminalize their behavior and drive them into the shadows.

“Unfortunately, there is a call for a growing normalization of response when we are facing a growing criminalization.” said Sidibé. “It is unacceptable today to say that 85 countries still have laws which are criminalizing same-sex relations among others. Even seven of them have the death sentence for homosexual practice.”

In countries such as China, Kenya, and Malawi, said Sidibé, around 33% of new HIV infections occur in men who have sex with men. He said that in the United States, more than 50% of new HIV infections last year occurred among gay populations, and the rates were even higher for people under age 25, who represent about 44% of new HIV infections worldwide.

Sidibé commended new moves in China as an example of the “pragmatism” that will help lower infection rates in the future. The country has adopted evidence-based and inclusive policy reform that shuns a punitive approach, while encouraging government ministries to work synergistically and fostering open debate.

“I like the pragmatism of the Chinese government,” he said. “Today, they are one of the most progressive programs in Asia.”

Sidibé said he hopes China's behavior can influence major trading partners in Africa. Efforts to overturn British colonial-era laws that criminalize homosexuality and to fight new proposals like the death penalty for gays in Uganda are major challenges facing UNAIDS in the developing world, he said.

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Reader Comments

Back to top Post a Comment Report Abuse
Name: Cary Alan Johnson
Date posted: 3/17/2010 12:45:47 PM
Hometown: New York, New York

Comment:
As the Executive Director of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, let me say that it was our great pleasure to present our Outspoken! Award to UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe last Monday evening. Previous honorees have included Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former Irish President and head of the UN High Commission for Refugees Mary Robinson. Michel has taken a brave and often unpopular stand. By unapologeticaly championing LGBT rights--particularly the repeal of sodomy laws--both within and outside of the context of HIV vulnerability, he has proved himself to be a true ally of our community. We need more like him.

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