First our favorite trenchant political/social humorist Stilton Jarlsberg, writing at Stilton’s Place, holds forth in essay and pictorial on California’s latest insanity, set forth in its entirety here. Next we add from The Federalist an article by Chad Felix, an HIV positive man, who provides expanded ethical analysis including as regards the liberal mindset in subsuming biological assault to feelings. RMall
Say what you will about California, but it’s unquestionably our nation’s greatest, most fertile, and consistently reliable source of really bad ideas.
As a case in point, Governor Jerry Brown has just signed a law which eliminates felony charges for those who do not tell their sexual partners about having the HIV virus before unprotected sex, and also allows those carrying the virus to donate blood without making staffers aware that they’ve just collected the equivalent of Typhoid Mary in a bag.
In California (and isn’t it funny that, following those two words, we could basically write anything and it would be believable?) it will now be only a misdemeanor for those with HIV to lie about their status and have unprotected sex, even if it’s their actual intent to deliberately spread AIDS.
But surely no one would do that, right? Wrong. Not only is it done, but it’s so common that there’s actually a name for the practice of deliberately infecting others: “stealthing.” And in California, this despicable and potentially deadly act will now be on a legal par with littering.
And as far as tainting the public blood supply with HIV, all we can guess is that Californians will applaud the new diversity in blood products which previously were unlikely to kill you.
Theoretically, this is supposed to be a great blow against homophobia (no pun intended, but geez – it was unavoidable). But to our way of thinking this insanity is nothing less than granting rights (and sanctuary status) to a deadly virus while denying rights to potential human victims.
In other words, business as usual for California.
Author Chad Felix Greene: (excerpt)
California Shouldn’t Make It Easier For HIV-Positive People Like Me To Give Blood And Have Risky Sex
The demand for HIV privacy as an entitlement will create a scenario of predatory behaviors, recklessness, and ruined lives. Gay and bisexual men will be at a higher risk. . . .
This Is Simply Deadly Political Correctness
Republicans should be reviewing their state laws surrounding HIV disclosure to ensure they reflect both modern medical advances and protect individuals from reckless or malicious behavior. Consent should be the main selling point to the general population as well as moral and ethical obligation to disclose. There should be a firm legal requirement to disclose your HIV status to anyone who is at risk of exposure, but this can and must be done with rational law.
Finally, it must be absolutely imperative that blood donations be protected. Of all the concerns here, this particular issue threatens truly vulnerable people the most. Laws should evolve when necessary, but society still requires them. The Right should be on the forefront of this battle.
Read Greens entire article for much insight.
