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Its 2005... except in Mississippi - 7/20/2005 7:59:34 PM

onceburned

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I posted this on another site, but its so infuriating to me I have to share it here as well.

Okay everyone, let's turn the clock back 20 years to a time when fear, ignorance, and bigotry turned an HIV diagnosis into a social a hell as well as a physical one.

It turns out that those thrilling days of yesteryear are not so far away. This is from today's news:

quote:

Lambda Legal filed a brief in the Chancery Court of Jackson County on Wednesday on behalf of a Mississippi mother who has been barred from allowing her children to have contact with their aunt because she has HIV. <snip> Prior to the ruling, Wilkins had always played an active role in the children's lives, but since the ruling four months ago she has not been able to have any physical contact with them.

http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/07/072005hivKids.htm

I am surprised that the judge didn't require Wilkins to wear a veil, ring a bell and call out 'Unclean, unclean!" whenever she left her home.

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RE: Its 2005... except in Mississippi - 7/21/2005 1:20:16 AM

domtimothy46176

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If that is an accurate representation of the facts, then Mississipi needs better judicial review. Having said that, however, I do wonder if that is a factual account and not merely a convienant rallying point. I've grown cynical of news accounts in general these days. It seems like one journalistic organization or another is always presenting a very biased partial account of the news rather than the entire story. Even newspapers are no longer likely to present both sides of controversy.
Timothy

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RE: Its 2005... except in Mississippi - 7/21/2005 1:27:49 AM

onceburned

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The news story is pretty much taken straight from Lambda Legal's press release.
http://www.lambdalegal.org/cgi-bin/iowa/news/press.html?record=1748

I skimmed through the news stories on the website of the Jackson Clarion-Ledger (the local newspaper) but didn't see any coverage. So far as I know, the 365gay.com article is the only news reporting of this story. (which is sad)

Edit:
Lambda Legal, for those unfamiliar with it, is a very reputable organization.

< Message edited by onceburned -- 7/21/2005 1:29:19 AM >

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RE: Its 2005... except in Mississippi - 7/21/2005 12:42:43 PM

BlkTallFullfig

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I'd like to say I'm shocked, but I'd be lying. It's unfortunate, a sin and a shame. M

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RE: Its 2005... except in Mississippi - 7/21/2005 2:49:14 PM

FangsNfeet

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How did CPS and the State get to be envolved in this in the first place?

Many parents who are HIV postive still raise there kids. Thus this ruleing now declare that all people with HIV and AIDS are unfit to be around childeren? The HIPPA Confidentiality Laws where made for a reason. Are we to say that children are no longer allowed to walk out in public because people with HIV and AIDS do walk the streets as they are normal everyday people as well? Is Magic Johnson still going to be allowed to visit his kids?

Parents have the right to take there kids where they want and who to see. If the child is harmed in anyway the repsponsibility falls on the parent.

This is an odd situation indeed that gives the family the right to file one hell of a Law Suit involving confidentiality rights. If this ends up going to the US supreme court, it's going to be a field day for everyone inculding the politicians.

I wish this family the best.

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RE: Its 2005... except in Mississippi - 7/21/2005 4:47:42 PM

onceburned

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quote:

ORIGINAL: BlkTallFullfig
I'd like to say I'm shocked, but I'd be lying.

I suppose my anger over the incident reflects my naivete. But my gosh... how can judges so ignorant be sitting on the bench?

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RE: Its 2005... except in Mississippi - 7/21/2005 5:18:44 PM

stormsfate

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I haven't read any of the links, but I suspect that there are issues involved other than the HIV issue. I would also ask why and how CPS became involved. While there are unfortunately prejudices everywhere, if HIV were the only issue, the judge's ruling is bound to be overturned on appeal.

f

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RE: Its 2005... except in Mississippi - 7/21/2005 5:56:37 PM

FangsNfeet

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quote:

So far as I know, the 365gay.com article is the only news reporting of this story. (which

I'll be very suprise if this story dosne't make it to www.drudgereport.com and a few radio talk shows. It definetly needs mass media attention and hope to see the HIV community raise all hell about it.

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