Politician Attacks U.S. Gay Blood Ban

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' recently announced plan to study the decades-old law banning blood donations by gay men has drawn praise from an Illinois Congress member. "Science, technology and education have advanced since the inception of this discriminatory policy, and it's time the policy evolves as well," said Rep. Mike Quigley (D). "By adjusting our restriction on blood donation, we have an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to equality and offer those in need of lifesaving blood transfusions much-needed help." Along with Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Quigley has long called for an end to the ban. An HHS advisory panel last summer upheld the policy but called it "suboptimal." In July, a Chicago man who self-identifies as heterosexual made headlines after his blood donation was refused because of his "effeminate" behavior.

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