It's really not a homophobic law. 6% of the population account for 63% of HIV cases in the UK (not including cases where the virus was acquired abroad). You can't argue with statistics.
ALL donated blood is thoroughly screened anyway, but the reason active homosexuals cannot give blood is that there is no guarantee those tests are 100% reliable. Any heterosexual who is 'at risk' is also prohibited from giving blood. That includes anyone who's had a piercing/acupuncture/tattoo (even if it's not permanent) in the last 6 months, anyone who's RECEIVED blood in the last 30 years, anyone who's been to the dentist recently for anything more than a small filling... even if you've been on holiday in the past year there's a chance you might get turned away.
The blood 'shortage' isn't anywhere near as bad as some people will have you believe either. If it was, then surely we should be hearing stories about people dying because they can't get blood... when's the last time that happened? I can't remember EVER hearing about it. Surely it's better to be safe than sorry. I know I'd rather upset a few people with no knowledge of disease mechanisms than risk infecting patients with HIV. www.myspace.com/skinfordancingin
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