February 26, 2009

Colo. Senator Calls HIV a Consequence of “Sexual Promiscuity”

Speaking out against a bill requiring pregnant women in Colorado to be tested for HIV, Sen. David Schultheis (R–Colorado Springs) said February 25 that such a law would wrongly protect women and their children against the consequences of “sexual promiscuity,” The Denver Post reports.

“We do things constantly to try to remove the negative consequences of poor behavior, unacceptable behavior, quite frankly,” he said. “Sexual promiscuity, we know, causes a lot of problems in our state, one of which, obviously, is the contraction of HIV.”

According to the article, Schultheis’s comments have since outraged state Democrats, who argue that early HIV testing and treatment is a lifesaving measure and that early detection in pregnant women can ensure that the virus is not transmitted to their children.

“I just think it’s shameful, the comments that have been made,” said Sen. Jennifer Veiga (D–Denver).

Two days before the debate over the testing measure, Sen. Scott Renfroe (R–Greeley) argued that homosexuality was an abomination and a sin comparable to murder; that was during a debate over a bill to extend health benefits to same-sex partners of state employees. The Denver Post reports that GOP members have been reluctant so far to condemn either colleague.

Search: mother-to-child, Colorado, promiscuity, David Schultheis

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Previous Comments:

Clyde, Elkhart, 2009-04-09 18:16:07
Se. Renfroe is part of the problem! Homosexual activitie's are just as active as Heterosexual there is not difference, his attitude as a Representative is disgusting and in his words is an aboniation and is a sin comparable to murder for closing his biggited eye's and stop stero-typing people and take action to help find a cure for HIV/AIDS in stead of standing on the side lines like a linchman waiting to pull the rope on someone hanging.

ChefDave, Phoenix, 2009-04-09 15:53:57
This d****ebag's comments is the reason why Ryan White Acts and state ADAP programs have to fight for funding. I was raped by an overagressive male as I was passed out on a couch at a friends house over 20 years ago. Does that make me a slut/whore/promiscuous? Everybody on this website that is offended by this jackasses tirade, needs to write the White House or your Congressman to get him punished for offending those of us who fight day in and day out to live, care for others, and enjoy life.

Ann, Daytona, 2009-04-09 12:03:28
I got married to a man who had this, so that in no way makes me at fault. Testing before marriage should be in place now.

Catherine McCartin, Denver, CO, 2009-04-09 03:31:35
I live here was born here and still work here. I would LIKE nothing but to leave this god-forsaken Cow-Town! I lived in Seattle WA for nine years and wish I'd NEVER Left..Seattle bound in Denver

Father Scott West, Broomfield CO, 2009-04-02 23:21:02
I have to tell you this is why I am moving to Peoria Illinois from Denver- At least they tell you to your face there- and by the way the biblical quote is wrong (at least for a Christian)

Julien, West Hollywood, 2009-03-31 21:56:41
This senator is an idiot. I was in a MONOGAMOUS 4 1/2 year relationship--my partner caught it..and passed it along to me, before we knew he had contracted it (and before I had known that he had cheated). I'm not a slut--just was in the wrong long-term relationsihp. =(

Michael, Haslett, MI, 2009-03-31 15:34:25
After reading some of what others have said, I have to agree that what this Senator said was way out of line and what is worse, his party has done nothing about it. Why can't these people get educated before they shot off their mouths. Yes, some of us, like myself did not go out looking for someone to give us HIV, we are the victims here and then made out to be the bandits. This is so wrong.

Jim, Columbus, Ohio, 2009-03-31 12:06:27
First of all- it doesn't matter how you contract HIV. Having sex is a calculated risk, at best. I would be considered "promiscuous" but that doesn't mean I deserved to get HIV or AIDS. Ignorance and self-righteousness are the abominations. Education and prevention are the only thing that will help stop the spread of this disease. We should take responsibility for protecting ourselves and others from contracting HIV. They blame sex to divert attention from thier own ignorance and hate.

Michael, Harrisburg, PA, 2009-03-31 12:02:30
This clown should have been held back in the 5th grade. For decades. What a retard.

Linda, Maryland, 2009-03-26 09:09:41
promiscuity can lead to HIV but this is not how I got it. I dont think its right to lump everyone into 1 ball of wax we all have our stories on how we got it. in my case I was innocent, I was in a 4 year relationship and in the 3rd year I got it and I wassnt with no one but this man. so he was the one out there messing around and brought it home to me. so not everyone who has this has blame, some of us are innocent victums. this guy needs educated before he blows his mouth off.

F Mimo, New York, 2009-03-12 19:17:02
This man is so ignorant, when they build the "international monument to ignorance" Sen. David Schultheis will be head to head with others like him for the gigantic statue in the center of the monument. People of Colo Spring should be ashamed to be represented by such disgrace to human kind.

Terri McCormick, Tucson, 2009-03-12 12:58:50
The senator doesn't appear to be educated in what he is speaking about. He is speaking from emotion. When elected by the people of Colorado he stated he worked for the people. This statement he provided on HIV is not of the people but of himself.

S. Fitzgibbons MD, Houston, 2009-03-12 10:25:23
Sen. Schultheis's website clarifies matters a little-- he has NO objection to HIV testing of pregnant women, he only objects to mandating that doctors order it (on the grounds that it is excessively meddlesome for govt. to get this involved in telling us how to practice medicine). He seems pretty clearly in favor of prevention and good health care, says he voted as he did because he's against govt. intrusion. I think I'll save my ire for other politicos.

Gus, portland, 2009-03-12 07:35:01
well, it's partly true. promiscuity can lead to HIV. Unless you're a promiscuous lesbian, however. and unless you just happened to have sex once with someone who was infected but didn't know it. in short, Colorado, please elect someone with some brains... Please?

Kevin, Phoenix, 2009-03-09 09:43:14
So getting HIV means you're a slut and a whore? In the year before I was diagnosed, I had sex with 2 guys (one time per guy only)and I got HIV from one of them.Yet there are guys who sleep around A LOT who are still HIV negative. So I don't think the Colorado republican's theory that HIV results from being promiscuous holds water. The repubs need to purge these nut jobs from their party. Repubs are out of touch with reality and the american public. Repubs will become dinosaurs...