Abstract
This paper examines the effect of AIDS‐related discrimination on the philosophical right to the pursuit of happiness. Essentialisation of AIDS and homosexual status and blame for disease are associated with attitudinal, affective and behavioural discrimination. Such prejudice may lead to damaged self image and psychological dysfunction, and may also increase stress and disease progression. The possible effects of limiting discriminatory utterances are examined, in terms of both individual and social prejudice. It is concluded that the right to the pursuit of happiness exists and that there are legal remedies possible to counter the negative effects of psychosocial oppression which have been demonstrated. Dr Michael Ross is Co‐ordinator, AIDS Programme, South Australian Health Commission, PO Box 65, Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA 5000, and Clinical Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry and Community Medicine, Flinders University Medical School, Adelaide.
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