Under Fire

The single-minded opposition of some condom opponents was displayed on the streets of Mexico City this week, with horrifying results.

Mexican newspaper La Reforma reports that anti-condom activists, led by Jorge Serrano Limón, organized a protest outside the United Nations office earlier this week against the promotion of condoms to prevent HIV transmission.

As part of the protest, the group piled up condoms and pro-condom publications in a brazier, poured alcohol over it and set it on fire. Standing by were other protesters with a pair of fire extinguishers emblazoned with “Abstinencia” (Abstinence) and “Fidelidad” (Faithfulness). Their message appeared to be that condoms will add to the epidemic (read: the fire)—only abstinence and faithfulness have the power to stop it.

A protester holding the bottle of alcohol got too close to the fire and the bottle exploded—setting him on fire. Serrano continued his tirade against condoms, ignoring the fire extinguishers despite the fact that his associate was on flames beside him. Finally, another protester put the flames out and transported the injured victim to the hospital for treatment. For some, it appears, no price is too high in their “pro-life” battle.
DN/Erin