The New Age circus Cirque du Soleil is being accused of old-fashioned thinking when it comes to AIDS.

The production is being picketed in San Francisco by supporters of Matthew Cusick, who claims he was not allowed to perform because he is HIV positive, and the company feared his high-bar act would endanger people.

"Because of my HIV status, they say I am posing a threat to other artists or the audience," Cusick said.

Cusick says it was unfair to hire him knowing of his condition and then fire him when he was just about to take part in a production. And he has now gotten the support of AIDS activists, who say the company's actions show old thinking when it comes to people with HIV.

"It's wrong because there's medical evidence that states that HIV transmission is transmitted only through blood-to-blood or open wound contact," Cusick said.

A company representative said only they know the dangers their performers face.

"There are no nets, there are no safety measures. It's really out-there, edgy -- very, very, very dangerous stuff. So we are the ones who know better than anyone what our past history is. We're the ones who know better than anyone the risks those artists put themselves in."

Producers are hurt by accusations of discrimination.

"We promise very strong rooted values at Cirque, so it hurts when we get attacked as being discriminatory because we are everything but.."

Cusick says he is hurt too, just looking at the big blue and yellow tents.

"It is very much tough to look at that because I want to be there."

Followup notes:

• Cirque du Soleil is pronounced: Serk du So-lay.

• Discrimination means giving less rights to a selected group of people. For instance, not allowing black children to attend the same schools as white children. In this case, the circus discriminated against Matthew Cusick because he was HIV positive. A person who is HIV positive does not necessarily have AIDS, but is in greater danger of getting AIDS than one who is HIV negative. Not all HIV positive people end up getting AIDS.

• Dozens of artists, actors, writers and entertainers got involved in protesting the firing of Matthew Cusick. Some names you might know are: the Actors' Equity Union (45,000 members), Rosie O'Donnell, Rod McKuen, and Chad Allen. They also protested at a showing in Orange County. They said "HIV discrimination is unacceptable."

• On January 30, 2004, the circus agreed to take Cusick back. This was just a few hours after a federal commission found the circus guilty of job discrimination. At last word, Cusick had not decided whether to accept their offer.

For additional information, look at these Websites:

• HIV/AIDS Fact Sheets
• Entertainment Industry Speaks Out Against Cirque du Soleil's HIV Discrimination
• Letter from Cirque du Soleil Responding to Protests about the Termination of Matthew Cusick
• Cirque du Soleil Offers to reinstate HIV-positive gymnast