House Representative Pelosi Defends Stop AIDS Project

After its safe sex programs were attacked by a conservative Republican congressman, San Francisco's Stop AIDS Project gained the backing of the Democratic Party's highest-ranking woman. House Democratic Whip-elect Rep. Nancy Pelosi (San Francisco) sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson asking that "potential punitive measures against Stop AIDS Project be set aside." Instead, she suggests that the CDC provide better assistance to HIV prevention entities to ensure their programs are in compliance with federal guidelines.

"The federal government has a responsibility to support the difficult, and often heroic, work of these organizations," Pelosi wrote. "For nearly 20 years, Stop AIDS Project has been an example for HIV educators nationwide, and its mission continues to be essential in responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in San Francisco and across the country."

Rep. Mark Souter (R-Ind.) prompted an inquiry into the Stop AIDS Project when he asked the Office of the Inspector General to investigate materials used at the agency's "Booty Call" and "Great Sex" workshops. In November, Inspector General Janet Rehnquist issued a report that claimed Stop AIDS Project had violated CDC guidelines on AIDS-related materials for its workshops. Rehnquist called the materials "obscene" and said they could be seen as "directly encouraging sexual activity."

Both Steve Gibson, Stop AIDS Project's co-executive director, and Pelosi argue that the project did follow CDC guidelines and had the materials in question approved through the required review process based on local community standards. Currently, the agency is working with the San Francisco Department of Public Health and the CDC to ensure full compliance with the materials review process. Stop AIDS Project receives $686,000 annually in federal funds. In her letter, Pelosi said that the services of Stop AIDS Project are crucial as it is the only community-based organization in the city with the specific mission to prevent HIV among gay and bisexual men.

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