Lib Dem Leader Welcomes Government Gay Blood Ban Review
Originally published by UK Liberal Democrats
Lib Dem leader Tim Farron has welcomed news that rules which currently stop gay men from giving blood are to be reconsidered.
The government has confirmed it will review the current ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood. At present in England, Wales and Scotland, men who have sex with men are deferred from giving blood for 12 months. A permanent ban remains in place in Northern Ireland, subject to ongoing legal action.
Tim said:
"I very much welcome the review of what I believe are the discriminatory rules on blood donation in the UK. In 2015 I cannot see why we can't support an evidence based approach.
"The current law which bars sexually active gay men is scientifically and socially outdated, deeply and unjustly stigmatising, and urgently needs to change. I hope today is the first stage in that process."