Statement by NCLR Federal Policy Director Maya Rupert, Esq.
(Washington, D.C., December 1, 2011)—Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights joins advocates around the world commemorating World AIDS Day to remember those we have lost to this disease, to acknowledge the significant advances we have made, and to raise awareness about how far we still must come in the fight against HIV/AIDS and the struggle to protect those living with infection. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 33.3 million people have HIV worldwide, and 1.2 million of those people are in the United States. World AIDS Day is recognized on December 1st annually, and provides an opportunity to educate and advocate about the importance of decreasing the spread of HIV/AIDS, and protecting those living with HIV/AIDS from discrimination and mistreatment based on their status.
President Obama today set ambitious new goals, including getting antiretroviral drugs to HIV-positive pregnant women in the U.S. and to 2 million more people around the world by the end of 2013.
Statement by NCLR Federal Policy Director Maya Rupert, Esq.:
“We commend the Obama administration for its work on behalf of this vulnerable community and share its commitment to continuing to fight the pandemic, and urge the administration to continue to take crucial steps to reduce the spread of infection and ensure that those living with AIDS and HIV across the country and around the world are protected from discrimination and stigma, and have access to lifesaving care.”
The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.