Homophobic Red Cross: The "Gay Ban" Must be Lifted

HIV does not discriminate; anyone is capable of transmitting HIV. The gap is closing between the amounts of individuals who have transmitted HIV. Worldwide 85% of the cases of HIV are transmitted heterosexually. In the United States 31% is transmitted heterosexually

In 1985, 65% of transmission of HIV was through homosexual contact compared to the 3% that was transmitted heterosexually. Comparable to 2004, 31% of the cases of HIV were transmitted homosexually and 42% of cases of HIV were transmitted heterosexually.

Although the knowledge of these graphs are available to the public, as well as health officials it is homosexual people who are banned from giving blood. Others banned from giving blood are those individuals who have paid for sex, as well as those who are admitted intravenous drug users.

Is this because of the fact that in 1981 HIV was discovered in a small group of men in Los Angeles? This ban was imposed in 1985 and was a blanket ban that prohibited homosexual males from giving blood.

Modern testing products are in use, and the ban should be lifted with the incidence of straight sex to gay sex ratio with the transmission of HIV. This is a great example of a double standard and is a ban based on information of more than a decade ago. The FDA has tried to overturn this ruling with little success - but, this was five years ago and why is it not being reconsidered?

"In America in 2002 an FDA vote to overturn the lifetime ban on gay men lost
out by one vote: 7-6. The main opposition coming from the American Red
Cross"

There is no longer a need for this ban to be imposed; the risks are the same - regardless of sexual orientation. I read an opinion that stated "Gay people are healthy people, and it is time that they were recognized as such". This is the most important statement in this article. It is time that homosexuals were treated equally, and not like second class citizens.