Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 247801,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/247801/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 197,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Serut",
    "speaker_title": "The Assistant Minister for Planning and National Development",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 297,
        "legal_name": "John Bomet Serut",
        "slug": "john-serut"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir. I want to align myself with the sentiments that have been expressed by my colleagues. This Bill has been long overdue. So many people have died since 1984. That is when we started hearing of people suffering from signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS is a disease which has no boundaries. The reason why we are having this Bill is because HIV/AIDS has affected the entire world. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I listened to the Minister for Health when she presented this Bill. I have also listened to the Seconder of the Bill. Personally, I am impressed by the way the Seconder expounded on the Bill. Part (ii) on page 144 deals with HIV/AIDS education in institutions, especially in schools. During the Committee Stage, we should introduce some amendments, particularly on prevention. Students must be taught about support and care for patients at home. Students and pupils live with people who suffer from HIV/AIDS. The best place to relay that information is right at the classroom. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, on Part (iv) about marriage, although the Minister is trying to say that there should be no pre-condition to marriage, what is currently happening is that, 1256 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES June 8, 2006 before people get married, most of them insist on tests. Most parents are saying that they do not want their children to get married unless there is proof that the purported spouse is not HIV positive. I am of the opinion that, that should be left to those aspiring to get married to decide. If a man wants to marry a lady and feels that she is not willing to go for a test, he has an option of not marrying her. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have also looked at the penalties being prescribed in some of the sections. I think the option of penalties, especially the minimum and maximum, should be left to the courts. That way, the courts will have a leeway of deciding, depending on the evidence adduced. Generally, I want to say that the Bill is good. It covers all the areas. It covers the diseases that accelerate death as a result of HIV/AIDS. I urge my colleagues not to waste so much time on this Bill. Let us pass it today. Let the Minister come up with the few amendments that have been suggested. That way, we shall have an Act of Parliament to deal with HIV/AIDS. Thank you, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir."
}