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Should Couples Be Tested for HIV Before Church Marriages?

Personally, in this days of fornication I believe every couple getting married should take an HIV test before having any type of sexual relationship, and definitely before marriage, I just don't believe it's the churches position to dictate this.

As in the above case, IF it is merely a suggestion to encourage the couples to find out their true status before marriage, then there is nothing wrong. Also, IF the results are to be respected and kept private by the couple without the church knowing the results, then there is nothing wrong in such a suggestion. If on the other hand it is considered a prerequisite for permitting the couples to get married in the church, then that would be nothing short of discrimination.

Also, making a couples' HIV status known to a church or any public entity beyond that which the couple chooses to, will only open them to discrimination by others.

On the other hand considering how randy and promiscuous some people are these days, especially with people living double sexual lives, it is advisable to get random HIV tests even after a couple has been married.
Blind trust is no longer acceptable in this day and age where men married 20+ years suddenly reveal that they are homosexuals masquerading as heterosexuals just to keep their family line going, or to maintain their social status.

Obviously, there must have been incidences wherein couples have been married only to discover that one of the partners has HIV or was intentionally hiding their HIV status, resulting in counselling by the church, for it suggest or try to institute such a policy.

My answer therefore is "If the couples are ENCOURAGED to take an HIV test with the results being respected as the couples' private business, without the church demanding to know the results, then Yes, it is a responsible thing to do." If the church considers it a REQUIREMENT without which a couple will NOT be permitted to marry, then my answer is definitely NO. People are still entitled to their freedom, although we should endeavour to be responsible adults for our own benefit.

Cxsm
18th Aug. '07

© Cxsm 2007 All Rights Reserved

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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm