Proposition 64: AIDS Initiative

Thank you for the editorial (Oct. 19), “No on Proposition 64.” I, too, will vote no on Proposition 64. The AIDS initiative on the November ballot should be voted down. Since AIDS is not a disease that can be transmitted by casual contact with an infected person, why then should the victims be subject to confinement or quarantine?

Public fear of an epidemic is understandable, but AIDS is a “misplaced” epidemic. AIDS is transmitted by sexual contact or directly through the blood. In the United States, AIDS is largely confined to homosexuals and drug addicts.

If adopted, Proposition 64 would be an invasion of personal rights. People would be forced into being tested for the AIDS virus. This proposition would not only allow universal testing for AIDS, but it would ultimately permit the state to confine, or quarantine, those who tested positive. Confinement will only further alienate the AIDS victims, who are already looked upon as being different.

The fear of confinement will result in many people avoiding testing who may suspect that they are infected. Such a reluctant attitude toward AIDS will hinder the medical research on AIDS, which is essential in conquering the spread of AIDS. A feeling of fear will only hurt, and not help, the search for a cure for AIDS.

KATHLEEN M. BREWER

Glendale