Obama dumps Dybul at AIDS office

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Observer Update) - The Washington Blade reported that the State Department confirmed Friday (Jan. 23) that President Barack Obama has decided to replace gay physician Mark Dybul, coordinator of the U.S. Global AIDS office.

The development comes two weeks after Dybul, whose position holds the status of an ambassador, reportedly was asked to rescind his resignation and stay in his job. Dybul was appointed by former President George W. Bush.

Two sources familiar with the U.S. Global AIDS Office said Obama’s senior advisors were concerned about the negative reaction from some AIDS activists and reproductive rights groups to news that Dybul was keeping his job.

“What I can say is that Ambassador Mark Dybul has been asked to submit his resignation as U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and he is no longer serving in that role,” said State Department spokesperson Amanda Harper.

Asked if she knew why Obama decided to replace Dybul after reportedly asking him to stay, Harper said, “I can’t give any insight into the background. All I can say is that he has been asked to submit his resignation and that he’s no longer in the role.”