E-Petition for Overturning Blood Ban
Sign a petition for removing the ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood in the UK
(And, one would assume, removing the ban for women who have had sex with gay or bisexual men.)
It's not the most well-written petition I've seen. I wonder where the statistic that there would be 1/100th more of a risk of blood-borne infection in transfusions if gay and bi men were allowed to donate came from and I don't think that really helps this particular cause, nor do I think it's helpful to have grammatical errors within the details.
I also think that the signatories should be checked better as I doubt "Madonna Ciccone" signed (isn't it Ciccione and doesn't she use Ritchie these days anyway?) and "Everyone has Aids" is not a real name.
Concerns aside, I think this is a worthwhile petition. It certainly can only help remove the National Blood Service (NBS) ban or it will do nothing at all; it's not going to hinder other organisations and individuals who are trying to get the ban overturned. It is something that's long overdue. I personally would like to be able to donate blood without having to lie about it -- which I refuse to do.
So I've signed the petition and I hope you do as well. (As long as you are a citizen or resident of the UK; citizens living overseas do count, so all you British expats should sign as well!)
(And, one would assume, removing the ban for women who have had sex with gay or bisexual men.)
It's not the most well-written petition I've seen. I wonder where the statistic that there would be 1/100th more of a risk of blood-borne infection in transfusions if gay and bi men were allowed to donate came from and I don't think that really helps this particular cause, nor do I think it's helpful to have grammatical errors within the details.
I also think that the signatories should be checked better as I doubt "Madonna Ciccone" signed (isn't it Ciccione and doesn't she use Ritchie these days anyway?) and "Everyone has Aids" is not a real name.
Concerns aside, I think this is a worthwhile petition. It certainly can only help remove the National Blood Service (NBS) ban or it will do nothing at all; it's not going to hinder other organisations and individuals who are trying to get the ban overturned. It is something that's long overdue. I personally would like to be able to donate blood without having to lie about it -- which I refuse to do.
So I've signed the petition and I hope you do as well. (As long as you are a citizen or resident of the UK; citizens living overseas do count, so all you British expats should sign as well!)