The former Culture Secretary, Chris Smith has revealed that he has been HIV-positive for the past seventeen years. Following a moving speech where Nelson Mandela revealed that his 54 year-old son, Makgatho, had died from AIDS, Mr Smith decided last night to make it public.

{moscomment}

This is not the first time that he has made his personal life public. He was the first Member of Parliament in the UK to make the fact that he is a homosexual public knowledge. His recent move is supported by people involved in helping people suffering from AIDS and HIV - it shows how HIV does not mean death. He commented that he was very thankful or even "lucky", to have found out so early. It was immediately after diagnosis that a prescription of drugs was given. These drugs have kept him very much able to do his job since his diagnosis.

This is a step in the right direction. Not only does this show that HIV is not a dead end but it also indicates that minority groups who suffer prejudice, such as homosexuals and ethnic minorities, need not use the cover of their 'disposition' to shatter confidence in the work place as more often than not, the only true debilitating factor is the prejudice received. Mr Smith continued his work as MP as he did not believe it influenced his job.