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Suggestion for new AIDS law slammed

    JOHANNESBURG

    The AIDS Law Project (ALP) has slammed a suggestion made during a parliamentary debate on the Sexual Offences Bill that the transmission of HIV/AIDS be made a crime in South Africa.

    Johnny de Lange, the chairman of parliament's portfolio committee on justice and constitutional development, suggested that the transmission of HIV/AIDS become a separate crime from rape, as it currently stands, because carriers "should accept responsibility for their actions".

    Jonathan Berger, a lawyer with ALP, said the provision was "draconian" and would only increase the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

    The South African Press Association quoted him as saying: "It is very unrealistic to believe that a draconian law such as this will get people to test [for HIV]. There are a complex set of factors that stop people from testing - one needs to address those obstacles."

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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