I refer to the recent naming and jailing of 5 HIV positive blood donors. My opinion is that the government has gone too far in naming the men and their sexual orientation. Already being HIV positive, they will lead a life being ostracized by society and as though it is not enough, their sexual orientation had to be splashed all over papers without tact and sensitivity to those involved.
Among 5 of them, 2 of which are current undergraduates in their early twenties and had donated blood during their National Service. Under such circumstances, it is not uncommon that servicemen were coerced into donating blood by peer pressure, which is always prevalent in army camps. In addition, the Singapore Armed Forces’ practice of segregating and discrimination of gay servicemen could be a contributing factor to the two men’s lie about their sexual orientation.
This incident has done nothing to help the situation in Singapore where HIV positive individuals continue to be stigmatized by society. Instead of drawing and providing invaluable lessons from it, the press went on a big naming game ostensibly to deter. The total disregard and insensitivity of the ministry and media to those involved, including their family members, is extremely disturbing. Let us remember that HIV does not discriminate but people do.
I urge you guys to write in to the PM or the health ministry to voice your opinion.
