Removing blood ban would help save lives

This media release was issued by the TGLRG on 7.11.08.

The Red Cross would have more safe blood available for people in need if it accepted blood from gay men who have safe sex.

The Anti-Discrimination Tribunal in Hobart has heard closing submissions in the case of Launceston man Michael Cain who was refused the opportunity to give blood in 2004 because he indicated he was in a same-sex relationship.

Mr Cain's lawyer, Peter Tree SC, told the Tribunal that there are gay men who have a much lower risk of HIV than many heterosexuals and that the blood from these men could save lives if it was accepted

Mr Tree also accused the Red Cross of exaggerating the HIV risk associated with gay sex to "extreme" levels.

"The Red Cross has assisted in perpetuating the stereotype that gay sex is risky and unhealthy", he said.

Mr Tree went on to say that the Red Cross has known since 2001 that there is no medical evidence to support a ban on men engaging in a range of sexual activities with other men, including oral sex.

"This alone should compell the Tribunal to find that the Red Cross policy is unjustifiable."

Today, lawyer for the Red Cross Blood Service, Jeremy Ruskin SC, also began his closing submission.

Addressing Mr Tree's claim that blood donation is an altruistic act from which gay men should not be excluded, Mr Ruskin told the tribunal it is more altruistic not to give blood when there are such risks associated with all gay sex.

Closing submissions are expected to conclude on Monday November 17th.

For more information contact Rodney Croome on +61(0)409 010 668.