CARICOM warned against gay rights agenda

The regional bloc CARICOM is being warned against joining the fight against HIV/AIDS using a gay rights agenda.



The warning has come from St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves following a CARICOM Summit, at which there was a discussion about the 'Justice for All programme' of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/AIDS.



The programme, launched on December 1, 2013, seeks to help guide countries as they address AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, improve the legal environment and remove discriminatory laws related to HIV.



Gonsalves said while HIV/AIDS is openly discussed in the region, there are a number of groups, including advocates for HIV/AIDS, which want to extend the boundaries to include gay rights.



He said the drafted declaration that came before CARICOM leaders must be revamped adding that the central issue must be the fight against HIV/AIDS.



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