In response to criticism over the use of an image in its easy-read manifesto, the Green Party of England and Wales has temporarily removed the online version of its document. The image in question depicted an ill-looking man with his hand on his throat, alongside a large red cross, intended to illustrate the party's policy on HIV. However, users on social media raised concerns that the image was misleading and stigmatizing.

Easy-read documents aim to present information in a more accessible format for individuals with learning disabilities and other communication issues, utilizing concise sentences and visual aids. The Green Party's manifesto, launched earlier this week, included a pledge to work towards "no more HIV transmissions by 2030." The easy-read version stated, "We will try to stop any new people getting HIV by 2030," accompanied by the controversial image.

Critics argued that the image wrongly implied that people living with HIV are sick and potentially contagious. One social media user expressed concerns about the "airborne contagious" misconception perpetuated by the image, while another criticized the overall stigmatizing tone of the document.

Responding to the feedback, a spokesperson for the Green Party acknowledged the concerns and stated, "Soon after publication, we were alerted to how an image we used in our easy-read manifesto could be misinterpreted. For clarity, we temporarily took the manifesto down to replace this image with a more suitable one that better communicates our policy to work towards no more HIV transmissions by 2030."

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is primarily transmitted through bodily fluids. In 2019, the government pledged to end HIV transmission by 2030. The Conservative Party, in their manifesto, reiterated this commitment and highlighted the potential expansion of HIV opt-out testing in emergency departments in England. Meanwhile, Labour promised to commission a new HIV action plan to help end HIV cases by 2030. The Liberal Democrats, although not including a specific pledge on HIV in their manifesto, have previously expressed support for ending transmission in England by 2030.

The Green Party's decision to temporarily remove the image aims to address concerns raised regarding potential stigmatization. As parties in the upcoming election release their manifestos, scrutiny of their policies pertaining to HIV and other societal issues continues.

Please note that there are no mentions of Reform UK, Labour making a virtue out of the lack of surprises in its manifesto, or the Plaid Cymru manifesto in the provided text.