Fridae

At a seminar organised by the Center for Aids Rights on Wednesday, activists, government officials and NGO representatives met to discuss ways to change the Sangha's (loosely translated as monkhood) mind: at present, the order of monks does not allow men with HIV to be ordained.

The Sangha adopted its discriminatory policy two years ago, citing fears that close contact, and the sharing of things like glasses could spread the virus within the temple, the Bangkok Post reported.

Further, according to a survey of temples, many abbots believed that HIV-positive monks would tarnish the image of the Sangha, and discourage people from making merit. Because of this, they require people who would like to ordain to provide a certificate showing that they are HIV-negative.

"It's time for the religious realm to adjust their knowledge to catch up with social changes," said Dr Vitoon Ungpraphan, an advisor to the Medical Council. He pointed out that sharing space, as monks often must, does not spread the virus, and that requiring proof of HIV-negative status is a violation of human rights.

According to Dr Sanchai Chasombat, in addition to the interpersonal benefits of becoming a monk the ordainee makes a great deal of merit for his parents living in a temple could help calm the minds and strengthen the spirits of people with HIV.