Discrimination Book

Foreword 11

Introduction 14

Chapter 1 Health Discrimination

1 Britain's National Health Service Discriminates Against Older Citizens Alasdair Palmer 20

Older British citizens are not given proper medical treatment by the National Health Service due to age discrimination.

2 HIV and AIDS Discrimination and Stigma AVERT 25

Despite education campaigns, people with HIV and AIDS still face discrimination across the globe.

3 In Senegal, Children with Mental Illnesses Suffer Discrimination IRIN 36

Children who suffer from neurological or mental disorders in Senegal are regarded as abnormal and are hidden from society.

4 Discrimination Against Obese Americans Is a Threat to Their Health Daniel Engber 42

In addition to facing discrimination in the workplace and in social settings, obese people are discriminated against by health care workers as well. Such attitudes may lead to further health problems for obese Americans.

5 Australians Face a Growing Rate of Genetic Discrimination Kristine Barlow-Stewart 50

Although still in its early stages, genetic testing for future diseases is growing. There is concern in Australia that discrimination based on genetic testing will influence life insurance policies and employment.

6 India Still Discriminates Against Lepers Even After a Cure Has Been Found Ramesh Menon 58

Although leprosy has been nearly eliminated from India, lepers continue to face stigma and discrimination; even people no longer infected with the disease are shunned.

Periodical and Internet Sources Bibliography 67

Chapter 2 Gender and Sexuality Discrimination

1 Hong Kong Should Enact Antidiscrimination Laws to Protect Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals Phil C. W. Chan 69

Although Hong Kong decriminalized homosexuality in 1991, the lack of antidiscrimination laws allows inequalities to persist.

2 Botswana and Swaziland's Discrimination Against Women Continues to Contribute to the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Physicians for Human Rights 85

The legal and social systems in Botswana and Swaziland discriminate against women, which contributes to the spread of HIV and AIDS.

3 In Thailand, Transsexuals Are Discriminated Against Jason Armhrecht 95

Despite having the highest rates of transsexual operations in the world, Thailand maintains strict, discriminatory laws against transsexuals.

4 Saudi Arabian Women Are Not Equally Represented in the Workforce Ed Attwood 103

Women in Saudi Arabia make up only a small percentage of the workforce, a situation made worse by a high illiteracy rate among rural Saudi women.

5 New Zealand's Male Nurses Are Often Discriminated Against Because They Are Perceived to Be Gay Thomas Harding 107

Male nurses in New Zealand (and elsewhere in the world) are often seen as gay, regardless of their sexual orientation, by patients and other nurses. Unfortunately, this stereotype leads to workplace discrimination.

Periodical Bibliography 123

Chapter 3 Racial and Ethnic Discrimination

1 In Ireland, People of African Descent Face Employment Discrimination Edorodion Osa 125

People of African descent struggle with discrimination in the workplace in Ireland.

2 In South Africa, Race No Longer Affects Economic Status Jeremy Seekings 132

Although race continues to affect social situations in South Africa, it no longer has a negative impact on economic status.

3 Germany's Discrimination of Roma Continues Martin Kriekenbaum 150

Roma people have been the continued targets of discrimination. The group was targeted under the Nazi regime and are now threatened with mass deportation.

4 In Australia, Discrimination Against Indigenous People Contributes to Their Ill Health Yin Paradies 161

Indigenous people in Australia suffer discrimination, which contributes to their poor health and limits their access to health care.

5 India's Caste System Still Promotes Discrimination of Schoolchildren D.P. Bhattacharya 166

Caste discrimination still plays a role in the everyday lives of Indian people, including schoolchildren who are often forced to do menial jobs at school.

Periodical Bibliography 171

Chapter 4 Cultural and Religious Discrimination

1 Religious Discrimination Remains a Problem Throughout the World Jonathan Fox 173

A worldwide survey reveals that discrimination based on religion, especially religious minorities, continues to be a problem.

2 European Religious Minorities Need Legal Protection Against Discrimination Stella Coglievina 183

Given the increasing diversity throughout Europe, the number of religious minorities has grown; along with these changes has come religious discrimination.

3 In the European Union, Religious Discrimination in the Workplace Remains a Major Problem Mahmut Yavasi 195

Religious discrimination must be combated for equality to be achieved in the workplace in the United Kingdom and throughout the European Union.

4 Yemeni Culture Is Still Dominated by Discrimination Ola Al-Shami Marwa Al-Zubairi 206

Discrimination against the akhdam minority continues to plague Yemeni culture.

5 Pakistan's Government Should Take Action to Protect Ahmadis: Human Rights Watch 215

The religious minority group the Ahmadis is under attack in Pakistan and forbidden to practice its beliefs. The Pakistani government should step in to prevent future attacks from occurring.

6 France's Burqa Ban Is a Boost for Equality Greg Sheridan 225

Banning the burqa in France was a triumph for women's rights and the rights of all members of French society. It ensures that everyone is treated equally under the law.

7 Burqa Bans Smother Europe's Civil Liberties Medhi Hasan 230

Banning the burqa is an assault on women's freedom to dress as they please and on their freedom of religion. It puts a restriction on women rather than giving them more freedom.

Periodical Bibliography 237

For Further Discussion 238

Organizations to Contact 239

Bibliography of Books 245

Index 248