Britain is lifting a ban on gay men giving blood, as long as they have not had sex for the past ten years. Gay men who are or have been sexually active are currently banned from donating, with authorities taking the line that it's to ensure 'blood contaminated with HIV does not reach patients'. A British government source has told the Herald Sun, "A complete ban is unfair and discriminatory but we need to protect public health, so the 10-year rule is what is being considered." New Zealand has a ten-year deferral policy, while South Africa has a five year time limit. The US has a complete ban and Canada recently reviewed its policy of banning sexually active gay men from donating blood and decided not to lift the ban.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 11th April 2011 - 10:42am