November 12, 2007

Leaders Use Facebook to Cut Europe’s Condom Costs

Members of European Parliament launched a social-networking campaign on Thursday to call for the reduction of value-added taxes (VAT) on condoms throughout the continent, which can be as high as 25 percent in countries such as Sweden and Denmark. Ireland charges 21 percent, despite imposing no taxes on oral contraceptives (examiner.ie, 11/9).

Members of the Socialist Group in the parliament are utilizing Facebook—an online social-networking utility—to encourage people to rally for the tax to be reduced to the minimum rate. The site also invites users to sign a petition, which will be presented to government ministers before World AIDS Day, December 1. As of 2005, there were 25,984 new HIV cases reported throughout the European Union, most of which were among heterosexuals.  

“People can spur governments to act,” says Jan Marinus Wiersma, vice president of the Socialist Group. “We urge people across Europe to take a few minutes to sign our online petition and to join our Facebook group.” Under the slogan “Cut AIDS, Cut VAT on Condoms,” the group has attracted over 600 people since its launch.

To join the group and sign the petition, go to facebook.com.