Anger over Howard's HIV ban call. Howard said he would look at changing the law to stop HIV-positive people coming to Australia [AP]
John Howard, the Australian prime minister, has said people who are HIV-positive should not be allowed to migrate to Australia, a remark condemned by health groups as racist. Howard told Southern Cross Broadcasting on Friday: "My initial reaction is no [they should not be allowed in]," adding that he would like more advice on the matter.
Australia bans people with tuberculosis from entering the country as migrants, while people over the age of 15 who apply for permanent residence are tested for HIV. Applicants for residence who have a medical condition for which the lifetime treatment cost exceeds $17,000 are denied entry.
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