Yes, says two economists, Hugo Mialon and Andrew Francis, from Emory University.

The researchers calculated that a rise in tolerance reduced HIV cases by one per 100,000 people from the 1970s to the 1990s. More recently, they saw that laws against same-sex marriage boosted HIV cases by 4 per 100,000.

“Bans on gay marriage codify intolerance, causing more gay people to shift to underground sexual behaviors that carry more risk,” said Mialon in a recent news release.

The effect appears to be indirect and related to intolerance or lack of acceptance.

Read more about the study at Emory University or Science Daily.

How do you feel about the same-sex marriage study results?

(Image via flickr)

Post from: Blisstree

Same-Sex Marriage & HIV Rates

Iowa has recently cleared the way for same-sex marriages, by overturning the previous ban on April 3, 2009.  The article discussed gay couples in Wisconsin and the possible ramifications of their crossing traveling to Iowa to marry. The crux of it is they can do it, and they will do it, but couples face possible legal problems by doing it. Plus, it will only be a symbolic union, a relationship “rite of passage,” with no legal benefits. Only residents of Iowa are allowed the same rights as other heterosexual married folk. Here’s a quote from the article that touches on one couple’s experience:

 

“…don’t want a church wedding. Just a chance to exchange vows before a justice of the peace, and get the same legal rights such as health insurance coverage, hospital visitation, inheritance  afforded to straight couples.

A marriage in Iowa won’t provide any of that. And technically, it’s a crime.

A 1915 statute prohibits residents disqualified from marrying in Wisconsin from going to another state or country to wed. Anyone who violates the law can be fined $10,000 and imprisoned for up to nine months.

I’m an advocate of same-sex marriage. My children are advocates of same-sex marriage. I have never understood any of the arguments against it. I was married once. I plan to be married again. Same-sex marriages will have no bearing on my heterosexual union. I look forward to a world where  this is no longer a controversial issue.

Image credit: All Posters.com

Post from: Blisstree

Iowa, Wisconsin, and Same Sex Marriage

Hearst is closing down Cosmo Girl after the December 2008 issue. But don’t worry, CosmoGirl.com will continue.

One magazine closes and another starts. Hearst is starting a new magazine, Mis Quince, a magazine aimed at girls who are planning their quinceañeras.

Are the dyes in your child’s food making him hyper?

Energy drinks may lead to future substance abuse.

At least 72% of 12- to 17-year-olds have been bullied online. And 90% of them never told their parents.

Depressed kids are getting medicine, but no therapy.

Kids who were aggressive toddlers, received harsh or reactive parenting and come from low-income families are more likely to be bulliied.

Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, an ivy league school, is starting a new website for high school students. It’s coming in February 2009. “Knowledge@Wharton High School is an interactive site for high school students interested in finding out more about the world of business.”

Britney Spears is ready to spill the beans about her behavior last year that landed her in a psych ward. She will appear in a 90 minute documentary on November 30th…just days before her next album drops.

Porn sells. Even to kids?

Connecticut joins Massachusetts and California as the only three states in the nation that allow same-sex marriage.

The Massachusetts school where girls entered in to a “pregnancy pact” last year is now going to allow contraceptives to be provided to students.

Many schools have banned soda, but kids are still getting their fix from local convenience stores.

Videos on video-sharing websites or social networks are showing our kids how to get high.

Now parents can control their teens car with only a key. Ford is introducing MyKey which allows parents to program how fast the car can go and how loud the radio can be. It will even “remind” kids to put their seat belt on. It will be a free standard feature on the 2010 Ford Focus.

Google is taking over the world…or at least video games. They are adding Adsense to some video games.

College students get creative with their cheap dorm decorating.

Some pets aren’t safe for kids.

Don’t let the thought of a bulging figure stop you from enjoying Halloween.

Need a training manual for raising your teenage daughter?

Post from: Blisstree

Sunday Reading