New Zealand to allow HIV+ people to move to the country
The New Zealand government has removed the HIV virus from a list of medical conditions deemed “likely to impose significant costs or demands” on the country’s health services. As a result of the decision immigrants to New Zealand with HIV will be assessed on a case by case basis rather than being assessed automatically as not having an acceptable standard of health.
UK church leaders criticise Ghanian bishops over anti-LGBTQ law
The Archbishop of Canterbury and other Anglican leaders have strongly condemned Ghanaian bishops for their support of a proposed draconian anti-LGBTQ law in Ghana. If passed, the law would make it a crime to be gay, bisexual, or transgender, or to advocate for LGBTQ rights, punishable by up to 10 years in jail. An archbishop in Ghana said his church’s support of the law was “born based on the belief that the practice (homosexuality) is unbiblical and ungodly.”
Hip-hop artist Boosie Badazz under fire for anti-gay rant
Hip-hop artist Boosie Badazz is coming under fire after tweeting an anti-gay rant targeting the rapper Lil Nas X. The tweet also urged Lil Nas to take his own life. Badazz’s tweet came shortly after Nas jokingly told fans that he would be collaborating on a new song with the rapper who earlier this year had threatened to drag and beat the singer. Lil Nas X replied with his own tweet saying: “I am truly saddened. I have never been so mortified in my life. I can’t believe Disney channel has yet to play Halloween town this entire October.”
US congressman suspended from Twitter for misgendering a trans government official
Twitter has suspended the account of US congressman Jim Banks after he intentionally misgendered a senior government official. Dr Rachel Levine is the first transgender person to hold an office that requires Senate confirmation. She recently became the first woman to become a four-star officer in the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Referring to this, Banks said the title of admiral was taken by a “man”. Twitter said the comment violated its hateful conduct policy. The platform temporarily locked Banks’ account, saying he would regain access upon deleting the tweet.