The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently said it had underestimated the HIV rate in the U.S. over the past 12 years.
The U.S. saw approximately 56,000 new HIV infections in 2006, 40 percent more than the estimated 40,000.
The CDC said a better blood test and new statistical methods led them to revise their numbers.
Male-to-male transmission accounted for almost 60 percent of new infections in 2006, with 4 percent of those men also engaging in intravenous drug use. About one-third occurred among people ages 13-29, according to the CDC.
“I feel great compassion for these men, because I’ve had different friends who are HIV-positive, friends who have died with AIDS," said Jeff Johnston, gender issues analyst for Focus on the Family Action. "Outside of a faithful marriage between a man and a woman, there is no 'safe sex.' It is irresponsible to teach people that you can have 'safe sex' or 'safer sex' outside of marriage.”
Linda Klepacki, sexual health analyst for Focus Action, said: "Our health is not just physical health. It’s also mental, emotional, spiritual and social. In order to be healthy, we have to take personal responsibility for our behaviors."
She said the numbers will not improve as long as businesses are forced to normalize homosexuality and grant gay employees special status.
Johnston added: "For years, the gay community has been calling for approval of gay relationships, for promotion of homosexuality as a person’s core identity, and for so-called sexual freedom.
"What they are finding is that there is a cost. Gay activists want the public to bear the cost of their behavior. People must take personal responsibility for their actions.”
Johnston said the church can provide a safe place.
"It has been a transforming community for many," he said, "including those living with HIV and AIDS."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Focus on the Family's Love Won Out ministry offers hope to those with unwanted same-sex attractions.
