TPPA is bad for LGBTI people: don’t sign

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) union activists are urging the Government not to sign the TPPA.

“Signing the TPPA will erode human rights and stop access to life-saving drugs for people living with HIV/AIDs”, says Karena Brown, CTU Out@Work Convenor.

“We know that under the TPPA the cost of medicines in New Zealand will rise, John Key has stated this publically, and information from government departments confirms it,”

“That’s bad enough for New Zealand citizens but will be much worse for people living in developing countries. A 2014 study into the impact of the TPPA on the effects of people living with HIV and AIDs in Vietnam found that 45,000 HIV positive people would no longer be able to afford life-saving drugs,”

“The inclusion of Brunei in the TPPA is another reason for our objection. Brunei has adopted Sharia law which includes stoning to death people who have engaged in same sex relations and severe punishments for transgender people. We should be saying to the Brunei Government that “we want nothing to do with you when you have these barbaric laws in place,”

“The TPPA will not advance the rights of LGBTI people. It works against the advancement of human rights internationally and undoes the good work that has been done in stopping the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS,”

“We urge other LGBTI rights and human rights groups also to oppose the TPPA this week,” Brown said.

ENDS

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