Osun Assembly Passes HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Bill

By Ismaeel Uthman

The State of Osun House of Assembly has passed HIV/AIDS Anti-discrimination Bill, 2021 into law.

The motion for the passage of the bill after it passed third reading at the Plenary Session was moved by Majority leader, Maroof Olanrewaju and seconded by Elizabeth Abioye, representing Isokan and Ifedayo State Constituencies respectively.

The Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, in his remarks noted that the bill would provide protection for People Living With HIV and AIDS (PLWHA), adding that the bill is necessary for the people and the state at large.

Owoeye said: “The bill will protect the lives of people living with the disease. It would also protect against stigmatisation and discrimination of people living with HIV and AIDS when passed into law.”

Meanwhile, the State of Osun Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection Bill 2021, which was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Olufemi Popoola, has passed through its first reading.

The Speaker had also directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Simeon Amusan to send the Bill to the Ministry of Health, so as to avoid duplicating any one in existence.