JERUSALEM — Israel’s health minister said Thursday that the country’s long-standing ban on homosexual men donating blood has been removed, claiming that the restriction was discriminatory and demeaning.
Until Thursday, males seeking blood in Israel were asked if they had had same-sex relationships in the previous 12 months, a category that disqualified them from donating. In the new form, a potential donor is asked if they have had “high-risk sexual interactions with a new partner or partners” in the last three months, using gender-neutral language.
He stated, “There is no difference between one blood and the other.” “Discrimination against homosexual people donating blood is no longer an issue.”
“Safe blood dosages are now available to everybody without prejudice or damage to human rights. Because prejudice has a negative impact on one’s health,” he added.