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Schwarzenegger accused of 'Total Recall' of public health and science after condom veto

Schwarzenegger accused of 'Total Recall' of public health and science after condom veto
Bowing to pressure from social conservatives, Governor terminates bill that would have allowed condom availability in California state prisons. Despite hundreds of letters and statements from medical and public health professionals, Governor Schwarzenegger signed a late-night veto Friday of AB1677, a bill that would have allowed condom availability in California's massive state prison system. ACT UP Austin, a group that has been campaigning for condom availability in Texas prisons, charged that pressure from social conservatives influenced his decision, even as he tries to cultivate a reputation as a moderate committed to upholding science. "Schwarzenegger failed to take leadership on an issue of national significance. This veto further demonstrates that he prioritizes the support of social conservatives over the health of Californians. With the stroke of a pen he has unilaterally denied 25 years of knowledge that must be applied in fighting the AIDS pandemic." - ACT UP member Ruth True. ACT UP Austin has been working to pressure their state's Sunset Commission to include condom availability in their recommendations for the renewal of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and have met with prison administrators directly to make their case. The group believes that providing prisoners access to condoms will save the state money in the long run. Currently, there are 2,500 known HIV positive inmates in the Texas state prison system and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice expends approximately one million dollars each month on HIV related treatment costs, a figure excluding hospital and practitioner fees. Members believe that, while Schwarzenegger's decision to veto the bill represents a major blow to the advancement of HIV prevention strategies in the U.S., it is by no means the final chapter in this struggle. The group plans to continue to escalate pressure for condom availability in the nations largest state prison system. "Texas prides itself on not being California," said ACT UP member Don Titcombe, "This is our opportunity to prove it. Our elected officials must take national leadership in the fight against HIV in prisons and encourage other states to do the same."