HIV/AIDS: Osun Assembly Passes Anti- Discrimination Bill

Osun HIV/AIDS Anti-discrimination Bill 2020 has passed through the second reading on the floor of the Osun House of Assembly.

This follows a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr. Maruf Olanrewaju and seconded by the Chief Whip, Mr. Tunde Olatunji after deliberations on the Policy Trust of the Bill by members of the House.

Commenting on the Policy Trust of the Bill, Mr. Olanrewaju said the passage of the Bill would protect the right and dignity of people living with HIV/AIDS as well as eradicate stigmatization.

He said the Bill would also give the people sense of belonging by being employed without discrimination as the Bill does not support medical test before employment.

Some Lawmakers in their remarks noted that if the budget is implemented it would remove all forms of victimization and isolation of people living with HIV/AIDS in the society.

They called for the speedy passage of the Bill noting that being infected by HIV/AIDS should not be a barrier to living a normal life.

The Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye in his remark noted that HIV/AIDS is not a death penalty for the carrier but stigmatizing them could cause depression and mental trauma leading to untimely death of the person.

Funmi Adekoya