Jun 1, 2024
Sangha Supreme Council endorses NHRC proposal to prevent HIV test mandates for ordination
The Sangha Supreme Council has endorsed a proposal from the National Human Rights Commission to prevent temples from mandating HIV tests for men seeking ordination, stating that HIV is not a chronic infectious disease. The NHRC had received a complaint about a temple in Bangkok imposing a rule requiring health checks and HIV tests for those wishing to become monks. Medical reports indicate that HIV is not transmitted through everyday activities or respiratory systems. The NOB confirmed that people with HIV are not considered to have chronic infectious diseases.