D. C. Council Ousts AIDS Test Protesters
Eight gay rights advocates were dragged Tuesday from the District of Columbia Council chambers after they loudly protested legislation that will allow insurers to require AIDS testing of applicants for medical coverage.
“Just say no to the rule changes!” they chanted, referring to amendments Congress attached to the capital district’s $3.2-billion spending package for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1.
“You’re not in the chamber of the legislature that caused the problem,” council Chairman David Clarke said in appealing for order. The demonstrators refused to honor Clarke’s request that they allow the council session to continue, and police officers were called to remove them. No one was arrested.
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