We ask that President Obama instruct the FDA and the Commissioner he appointed, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services, to permanently end the ban on the donation of blood by men who have had sex with men since 1977.
We understand that sexual identity does not equate with [risky] sexual behavior. Blood donation questions resulting in deferment should be about behavior not identity.
Gay and bi men are also banned from participating in directed donation, where blood is donated for a specific recipient. We believe this to be a flagrant violation of our rights as Americans and our human dignity.
We ask that the President take a clear stance and issue an Executive Order to end this archaic rule that unfairly targets gay/bi men--labelling them as a danger to society