Radical AIDS activists take to the streets of New York

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • March 30, 2007 - 15:05

The protest concluded at the “Wall Street Bull“ statue, as the fervent group observed those engaging in civil disobedience.

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27 people were arrested yesterday during a protest demanding health care for all in the United States.

The event commemorated the 20th anniversary of ACT UP's AIDS activism and direct action.

The group stopped at five sites of government and corporate power in New York City historically responsible for thousands of AIDS deaths and for the United States' current health care crisis.

The activists were demanding also demanding single-payer national health insurance and drug price controls.

Nearly a thousand attended the protest in downtown New York City, which commemorated ACT UP's 20th anniversary of AIDS activism.

After marching through various downtown sites, the activists converged on the "Wall Street Bull" statute in the Financial District.

Chanting "No more bull! Health care for all!" the group brought out 50 body bags, symbolising the 50 Americans who die each day due to lack of health insurance.

27 people laid down in the street in front of traffic, and were arrested by police.

At City Hall, they demanded that the city expand access to health care for all poor people and people with HIV.

They stopped at Trinity Church, the site of ACT UP's first public action 20 years ago, to remember those who died of AIDS and/or lack of health care.

The crowd swelled at the New York Stock Exchange, as call-and-response chants condemned health care profiteering by insurance and health care companies.

The protest concluded at the "Wall Street Bull" statue, as the fervent group observed those engaging in civil disobedience.

The bull was left with a pair of condoms adorning its horns.

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