Media release — Monday 30 November 2009

Take action - no discrimination against people with HIV

The United Nation's 2009 World Aids Day theme of 'Universal Access and Human Rights', has prompted Neroli Holmes, Acting Commissioner at the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland to issue a reminder that it is illegal to discriminate against a person who is HIV positive.

Acting Commissioner Holmes said, "The Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 prohibits discrimination because of an impairment, and this includes the presence in the body of organisms capable of causing illness or disease, making it illegal to treat HIV positive people less favourably than others."

Ms Holmes also supported comments made by Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, who said it is essential that the global response to the AIDS epidemic is grounded in human rights.

"People need equitable access to HIV treatment, care and support, as well as the same employment and recreational opportunities as people who do not have HIV." Ms Holmes said.

The Commission supports this year's World AIDS Day national theme which is 'Take Action. No Discrimination'.

"If you are HIV positive and feel you have been discriminated against, the ADCQ offers a way for you to take action against discrimination" she said.

The ADCQ offers a private and confidential complaint service and more information can be accessed by telephoning 1300 130 670 or TTY 13000 130 680 or visiting the ADCQ website http://www.adcq.qld.gov.au.

Interview opportunities: Acting Commissioner Neroli Holmes of ADCQ.

Media contact: MaryBeth Gundrum on 0439 676 364 | TTY 1300 130 680.

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