Council commits to raising awareness of HIV

Council commits to raising awareness of HIV

CARMARTHENSHIRE County Council has committed its support to raising awareness of the fight against HIV.

At its meeting of full council on Wednesday (November 15), councillors agreed to help spread a positive message about HIV by encouraging all councillors, staff and members of the public to wear a red ribbon on World Aids Day, held every December 1.

Council agreed, by majority vote, to accept an amended notice of motion tabled by Cllr Alun Lenny calling for the show of support.

An original notice of motion was tabled by Cllr Andre McPherson, who was seeking support of the council to fly the Rainbow Flag – a symbol of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community – over county council buildings annually on December 1.

Whilst agreeing with the sentiments of the original motion, Cllr Lenny said that encouraging people to wear the red ribbon was more appropriate than flying the Rainbow Flag on World Aids Day, as it was not fair to make a symbolic link between the HIV virus and the LGBT community.

Cllr Carl Harris, who seconded the amended motion, said the council should consider flying the Rainbow Flag on another occasion.

“HIV AIDS is not exclusive to the LGBT community, however the red ribbon is a universal symbol of awareness,” he said. “I want to have the Rainbow Flag flying but let’s have another motion in future about flying the flag when other public sector organisations are doing so.”

• To watch the full debate and access the agenda documents about this discussion at Full Council, visit the council and democracy section of the council’s website – www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales