The Sangha Supreme Council has agreed with a proposal from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to prohibit temples from requiring men to pass an HIV test before being ordained, citing that HIV is not a chronic infectious disease.
Wasan Paileeklee, a member of the NHRC, stated on Friday that the commission had reviewed a complaint regarding a temple in Bangkok’s Suan Luang district that mandated health checks and HIV tests for those wishing to become monks.
Last year, the NHRC recommended that the temple eliminate the HIV test and sought cooperation from the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) to inform all affiliated temples not to require such a test, to prevent discrimination.
Medical reports indicate that HIV is not transmitted through daily activities or respiratory systems. With appropriate treatment, people with HIV can maintain good health and live normal lives, Paileeklee said.
Additionally, the Sangha Supreme Council stipulates that those wishing to enter the monkhood must be physically healthy, and only those with serious contagious diseases like tuberculosis can be prohibited.
Mr. Wasan noted that in April, the NOB responded to the NHRC’s suggestion, confirming with the Public Health Ministry that people with HIV are not classified as having a chronic infectious disease.
Moreover, Tongthong Chandransu, an advisor to the Sangha Supreme Council, stated that mandating an HIV test cannot proceed under the rule of law. The NOB has already acted on the NHRC’s request and issued an order to all temples to comply, he added.
