Opinion

Peter Tatchell: A 12-month blood donation ban is still unjustified

Although the new policy is a big improvement on the existing discriminatory rules, a 12-month ban is still excessive and unjustified. Most gay and bisexual men do not have HIV and will never have HIV. If they always have safe sex with a condom, have only one partner and test HIV negative, their blood is safe to donate. They can and should be allowed to help save lives by becoming donors.
I have been campaigning for 20 years for an evidence-based policy which protects the blood supply while not needlessly discriminating against men who’ve had sex with men.

Peter Tatchell: A 12-month blood donation ban is still unjustified

Although the new policy is a big improvement on the existing discriminatory rules, a 12-month ban is still excessive and unjustified. Most gay and bisexual men do not have HIV and will never have HIV. If they always have safe sex with a condom, have only one partner and test HIV negative, their blood is safe to donate. They can and should be allowed to help save lives by becoming donors.
I have been campaigning for 20 years for an evidence-based policy which protects the blood supply while not needlessly discriminating against men who’ve had sex with men.

Comment: A gay Congolese man in South Africa

Junior Mayema, 24, is a volunteer with People Against Suffering Oppression and Poverty (PASSOP). He fled Congo at the age of 22 after suffering persecution and threats.

Peter Tatchell: ‘David Cameron should come out in support of gay marriage’

Peter Tatchell says same-sex marriage "reeks of assimilationism" - but prime minister David Cameron should support it.

Comment: Ken Livingstone claims Boris Johnson’s City Hall is ‘passive’ on gay rights

London mayoral candidate for 2012, Ken Livingstone, writes exclusively for PinkNews.co.uk on Pride and equality and LGBT Londoners.

Comment: Ken Livingstone claims Boris Johnson’s City Hall is ‘passive’ on gay rights

London mayoral candidate for 2012, Ken Livingstone, writes exclusively for PinkNews.co.uk on Pride and equality and LGBT Londoners.

Comment: Ken Livingstone claims Boris Johnson’s City Hall is ‘passive’ on gay rights

London mayoral candidate for 2012, Ken Livingstone, writes exclusively for PinkNews.co.uk on Pride and equality and LGBT Londoners.

Michael Lucas: ‘Poisonous’ anti-Israel lobby should not complain over LGBT meeting

Gay porn producer Michael Lucas says an LGBT youth conference should be held in Israel, despite objections from critics.

Peter Tatchell: Holding LGBT conference in Israel will inflame homophobia

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell says that holding the International LGBTQ Youth and Student Organisation general assembly in Israel will inflame homophobia, cause divisions and stop delegates from the Muslim world attending.

Comment: Why it’s vital to kick homophobia out of sport, by David Cameron

Writing exclusively for PinkNews.co.uk, prime minister David Cameron says sport is at the heart of the nation and more must be done to stop homophobia and encourage positive role models.

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