More calls came on Wednesday for state Rep. Betty Price (R-Roswell) to apologize after she asked a state health official if Georgia could legally quarantine HIV-positive patients.
"As a queer lawmaker in the South I reject language that stigmatizes people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS," said state Rep. Park Cannon (D-Atlanta). "I call on my colleague in the House to apologize for her appalling comments and want the community to know that we still rise in the face of adversity."
Another gay lawmaker, Rep. Sam Park (D-Lawrenceville), said, "As the first openly gay man elected to the Georgia statehouse I want those living with HIV and AIDS to know that we stand with you, that we are fighting with you and that together we will drive out fear and hate with love."
During a recent study committee meeting, Price asked Dr. Pascale Wortley, director of the Georgia Department of Public Health’s HIV epidemiology section, “The surveillance of partners, tracking of contacts, that sort of thing-- What are we legally able to do?
"And, I don't want to say the quarantine word, but I guess I just said it. Is there an ability? Since I would guess that public dollars are expended heavily in prophylaxis and treatment of this condition. So we have a public interest in curtailing the spread. What would you advise, or are there any methods legally that we could do that would curtail the spread?"
Price immediately came under fire, her comments drawing rebukes from human rights and LGBTQ groups, with some calling for her resignation.
Since Friday, Oct. 20, when we first reported the story, 11Alive has made multiple attempts, by phone and email, to reach Price for a comment. The only response Price seemingly has given was to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, in which she is quoted as saying her question was reported out of context.
"I made a provocative and rhetorical comment as part of a free-flowing conversation which has been taken completely out of context," Price said in her statement to the AJC. "I do not support a quarantine in this public health challenge and dilemma of under-treated HIV patients.
"I do, however, wish to light a fire under all of us with responsibility in the public health arena - a fire that will result in resolve and commitment to ensure that all of our fellow citizens with HIV will receive, and adhere to, a treatment regimen that will enhance their quality of life and protect the health of the public."
Price's sole response has not been enough to silence her critics.
"Last week, we called on Rep. Price to fully apologize to all those harmed by her reprehensible comments targeting Georgians living with HIV and AIDS, her refusal to do so speaks volumes," said Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD. "Betty Price and anyone who found her remarks even remotely excusable need to educate themselves to move past the outdated and harmful myths about people living with HIV."
Betty Price is the spouse of Tom Price, who resigned last month as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Price was a longtime metro Atlanta congressman who resigned to serve in President Donald Trump’s cabinet.
