* FINAL VERSION - Concurred

Resolution A132

Title:   Eliminate HIV/AIDS Stigma

Topic:   HIV/AIDS

Committee:   15. Education

House of Initial Action:   Bishops

Proposer:   HIV/AIDS

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church urge its members to work to eliminate the stigma of HIV/AIDS through the following:
Acknowledge that the stigmatization of anyone due to disease, and particularly due to HIV/AIDS, creates impediments to seeking treatment and care for the disease and education about the disease, resulting in detrimental effects on individuals, the church, and society at-large.
Affirm that the teachings of Jesus Christ clearly state that sickness and disease are not the result of sin in the human family.
Acknowledge that our Baptismal Covenant vows obligate us to respect the dignity of every human being and to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves and that the stigmatization of those among us with disease is a violation of those vows; and be it further
Resolved, That the Episcopal Church urge all worshiping communities, missions, parishes, dioceses, provinces, seminaries and educational institutions, boards and commissions to:
Educate their constituent members about HIV/AIDS with a goal of eliminating any stigma associated with the disease.
Educate their local, state and federal elected officials and representatives about HIV/AIDS with the goal of creating knowledgeable, compassionate, and sensitive public policy in educational services, support services, and medical treatment institutions.


EXPLANATION

Many who are infected with HIV/AIDS continue to be stigmatized by society. The stigma of HIV/AIDS creates a barrier to medical and social services due to being identified as a person living with HIV/AIDS, particularly in some smaller communities. These individuals either leave their communities to seek treatment and services or they go without them to the peril of their own health.

The stigma of HIV/AIDS also creates a barrier to sound public policy decisions about prevention education and services. As long as there is some degree of blame being placed on those who become infected, scientific evidence, particularly about preventing the spread of the virus will be overshadowed by misinformation. Every possible accurate weapon against the spread of HIV/AIDS should be available if we are to stop the epidemic.



* Resolution is final but status and text are still under review before publication.