Rights Group, Congress Calls FDA To Allow Gays Donate Blood

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may someday reverse the guideline that says bisexual and gay men cannot donate blood unless they abstain from sex for about a year.

Members of Congress and gay rights have called the FDA to make changes in the guidelines.

Florida Rep. Alan Grayson said it is discriminatory and all people should be treated equally.

Grayson’s district includes Orlando and he said at times of crisis shortage of blood can be avoided. Pointing out the June 12 mass shooting at a gay nightclub in his city he said no one should be turned away under such circumstances.

The shooting claimed lives of 49 people and tones were injured.

Grayson said, “We had two blocks that had to be cordoned off of people anxious to give blood that day, in the rain… Recognition of the impulse we all feel in times of tragedy, to help. No one should be turned away under those circumstances”

Similarly Rep. Jared Polis from Colorado’s second district called on administration to update the regulation and focus less on sexual orientation and more on behavior.

The congressmen joined LGBTQ rights groups National Gay Blood Drive, Progressive Change Campaign Committee and Equality Federation.

Prior to December 2015 the bisexual and gay men were completely banned from donating blood. A slight change in the law thereafter allowed to donate blood if the men abstain from having sex for one year with a man.