Gay blood donor debate needs balance

25 June 2012

There has been a lack of a balanced presentation of the facts in the debate over whether homosexuals should be allowed to give blood for transfusions.

Your readers should be aware that, in May 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) renewed its 15-year policy banning men who have had sex with men at any time since 1977 from donating blood.

The UK Office for National Statistics has estimated that homosexuals only make up about 2% of the population, yet 2010 figures reveal that 50% of the increase in those diagnosed as HIV-positive was caused by homosexual behaviour.

Although homosexuality is presented to society as a healthy - and sometimes even superior - alternative to heterosexuality, the truth is that homosexual behaviour represents a serious threat to individual and public health.

The public deserves honest information about the sexual realities of the homosexual lifestyle and the serious health risks that come with it.

CONCERNED CITIZEN

Newtownabbey, Co Antrim

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