European Commission: Banning gay men from donating blood is against EU law

The European Commission has affirmed that EU Law does not warrant widespread bans on gay and  bisexual men donating blood.

The European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy said in response to a question from Members of the European Parliament that EU allowed for deferrals “at high risk of acquiring severe infectious diseases” due to their “sexual behaviour”. Mr Dalli stressed that “‘sexual behaviour’ is not identical with ‘sexual orientation’”

Co-President of  European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights, Michael Cashman MEP said “Commissioner John Dalli reminds Member States that it is individuals who are at risk—not groups. Being gay or bisexual cannot automatically pose a threat to public health; but risky sexual behaviour in men or women, gay or straight, is a real risk.” He added that he hoped British Government would “prefer scientific evidence to prejudice” in making decisions on blood donor policy.

Sirpa Pietikäinen MEP, Vice-President of the LGBT Intergroup and Member of the Committee on Public Health commented that “health ministers must bear in mind that sexual orientation, ethnic background and other identity traits are fully irrelevant to a person’s health. Denying blood donation from these groups is discriminatory and goes fully against logic.”