WASHINGTON - March 14 - Last week, the Food and Drug Administration heard testimony from the American Red Cross, the American Association of Blood Banks and America’s Blood Centers that the ban on blood donations from men who have had sex with men since 1977 should be lifted. Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese released the following statement:

Twentieth century prejudice shouldn’t keep us from 21st century health standards. Our nation’s leading blood services organizations agree that there is no rational justification for treating gay and bisexual men different than straight men. Given modern testing and the fact that anyone can be vulnerable to infection, there is no medical or scientific rationale for this discriminatory policy.

Natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the threat of catastrophic terrorist attack make our nation’s need for a robust and safe blood supply even more acute. The real public health threat is closing the door on countless numbers of men who selflessly want to donate blood. The Food and Drug Administration should heed the advice of the Red Cross and other groups and put science and our nation’s security over misguided prejudice. Additionally, the American Red Cross, the American Association of Blood Banks and America’s Blood Centers should be applauded for this fair-minded and scientific approach to ensuring a stable and safe blood supply for those in need.”

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.

###