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I knew Brian Boitano was gay the first time he opened his mouth.

What they are doing is getting Russia to change their policy. There are changes Russia must take, but it is not a turning of a blind eye to the impact of homosexuality.

Russia is experiencing an horrific HIV epidemic due to the needle injection of drugs and the sex trade. Because syringes are outlawed, they are scarce and drug users share the ones they can get. Also, because drugs are outlawed, coming down with HIV will result in jail time. Thus, if you are a homosexual (which is also outlawed) or a drug user, using the healthcare system is to be avoided. This allows HIV to spread in an epidemic. Also these infected drug users often go to prison where they infect other prisoners they have unprotected sex with and share needles with. A change in the policy of outlawing syringes would be a good step. Also, anyone who is found with the infection should be free of fear from prosecution. Their infection with HIV should be the penalty for their actions.

The other problem is the sex worker industry in Russia. Sex workers will be IV drug users and have unprotected sex to increase their payments (this money is needed to support their drug habit). Then, they go home to their husbands or boyfriends and have unprotected sex with them too. Also, men bring home HIV infections that they get from sex workers. This combination has caused Russia to have estimates of 3 million cases of HIV. The epidemic is growing.

The reaction of Russia to homosexuals is the result of the HIV epidemic. Homosexuals are just one more avenue of HIV infection Russia does not need. If they can discourage its practice through harsh penalties, they think they can control the homosexual circle of infection. The harsh penalties only cause infected persons to hide their infection so they can spread it to more unsuspecting persons.

Perhaps a nationwide HIV testing campaign would identify who has the infection and the proper steps could be taken to contain its spread.