Wow, this was a bold move!

Wow, that is a bold move. It's strange. I've seen a fair amount of press recently about the gay blood donor bans in effect, and now this story pops up. But I do agree with the decision. It is discrimination. In fact, the last studies show that the largest number of increasing cases is found in African-American women between 18 and 35. Of course, that would be harder to ban since it's racial, no sexual. But discrimination is still discrimination. You can't serve in the military because it might cause low troop morale. You can't give blood because it might be infected, even though that's the case with ALL blood. Ah well... the world still has a long way to go.

 

You cant serve in the military if you're gay?

 

I agree with the ban on the campus. Not because it will result in less blood being donated, but because it may just be the wake-up call that the FDA needs. Sometimes protesting and campaigning is needed to get things done, and this discriminatory policy has been in place for blood donations around the world for too long.

If the bans spread and started causing more serious shortages with no signs of change then maybe it would have to be reviewed. But for now I am 100% behind the ban.

I think you can in the UK now, but I don't know the details.

 

While I don't appreciate discrimination, I don't support this ban.

Why? Because people need the blood. It's life or death. This isn't something that should be used as a weapon against hospitals. This only demonizes us even more.

It's a good effort, though.

 

Desperate times require desperate measures.

The FDA policy is discriminatory and just plain wrong. It sends the message that every gay male in the world is irresponsible and a danger to society. How else are we ever going to overcome the ignorance and intolerance while the general public is passively exposed to these kinds of 'policies'.

I can't think of a nice way to say this, but if people have to die for things to change, so be it. The blood isn't on my hands, especially in this case. But then, i'm a cold-hearted bastard.

 

I think that this is a good thing. But regardless of weather i have sex with males or not, i won't be donating blood anyways ~ im deathly afraid of it.!

 

We were just discussing this in the office and someone asked, "So, what if you said you were gay but haven't had sex?"

Would the FDA still turn you down? My guess is yes but don't know for sure. It's not about sex, it's about just being gay. That paints a different picture, doesn't it?

 

If people need blood so bad, then why can't we give them blood? Beggars can't be choosers. Good for San Jose for not lettting discrimination happen on their campus.

 

It's certainly a bold move, and it gets the point across. I hope it sends a strong message to the FDA.

 

Nice move ! San Jose State University FTW

 

"You can't give blood because you're gay"
"You can't be in the military because you're gay"
"You can't do BLOODY ANYTHING BECAUSE YOU'RE BLOODY GAY!!"
Thank god for this move, it's about time someone sorted out the DISCRIMINATION!!!!!

 

Of course not but I have to hope it doesn't come to that. Having wrestled with being gay for a long time, i'm quite accustomed to bargaining with the devil and somehow getting out of paying him back when the time comes.

 

I'm sorry, but I'm with Becky on this. Blood banks are low on blood and god forbid something like the Virgina Tech incident happen in San Jose where they need every last drop they can get.

Do I agree with not allowing Gay people to donate blood? No, but don't stop people who are allowed from donating. I mean, who actually goes out to a hospital and gives blood? Very Few. However, lots of people give blood at schools because it is just one of the "come together to help people" things.

The "Anti-Gay" aspect should be dealt with in the courts, not by banning the blood drives.

 

Well really, shouldn't it be compulsory to check all blood for diseases? Regardless of whatever sexuality you are... Straight people can get aids too?

 

I like that move. It's a good step to take. A few other universities may follow, in which case, by teaming up on the government like that, I think it'll be forced to make changes.