Socialists call for tax cut on condoms

[Ioannis]

Socialists call for tax cut on condoms
From correspondents in Brussels
November 09, 2007 05:09am

AIMING to combat AIDS by cutting the cost of safe sex, the European Parliament's Socialist group has launched a campaign to press EU governments to cut sales tax on condoms.

The 27 European Union member states are free to fix their own Value Added Tax rates on condoms, with a nimimum level of five percent. It is as high as 25 percent in Sweden and Denmark.

"Cutting VAT on condoms to the minimum rate would be both a practical step in tackling AIDS and a powerful symbolic gesture on World AIDS Day (December 1)," Socialist group vice-president Jan Marinus Wiersma said on launching an online petition at The Socialist Group in The European Parliament.

World Health Organisation figures showed HIV infection rates were growing in Europe, with nearly 27,000 new cases reported in 2005, he said.

Socialists call for tax cut on condoms | The Courier-Mail

[Marcus Marulus]

Socialists call for tax cut on condoms

...but not tax cuts on equipment for children, I suppose.

[Elysium.]

Originally Posted by Plethon

...but not tax cuts on equipment for children, I suppose.

They just wanna make sure there are a lot of children being pumped out of irresponsible parents so they lose traditional values, get bad educations, and eventually kill themselves.

[Susi]

A lot of places here give out condoms for free. As many as one wants. It's not difficult to obtain them. I sure as hell don't need them, I have about 10 of them that were given to me during my introduction week at university. The don on my floor gives them out during "emergencies". There's a sexual help centre down the street (university sponsored/funded) that gives out condoms, lube, etc. for free. The fact that it exists is practically shoved in one's face.

I thought there may be similar programs in Europe, though I haven't really had the need (or desire) to look.

But maybe it's different... Is every sperm sacred?

[Engelbrecht]

Originally Posted by Susi

But maybe it's different... Is every sperm sacred?

No, just the fastest one. The winner takes it all.

But to be serious it´s no different here(Sweden). There is even included in (some)Kindergarten to educate the youngsters about sex. Preferrably alternative family constallations and girl power.