SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan.
THE NORTH’S ban on gay men donating blood is to be lifted.
Health Minister Michelle O’Neill said the new policy will come into affect on September 1.
SDLP Foyle MLA and health spokesperson Mark H Durkan has welcomed the moved.
“This was a ludicrous ban. Today’s decision is a “victory for equality and common sense”.
At present in the North, any man who has had sex with another man is banned from giving blood permanently.
A ban on gay men donating blood was brought in across the UK during the 1980s AIDS crisis, but was lifted in England, Scotland and Wales in November 2011.
The North retained the permanent ban.
Ms O’Neill said today that she would lift the ban in favour of a ‘”one-year deferral system” as is the case in the rest of the UK.
This means that gay and bisexual men can give blood one year after their last sexual contact with another man.
Michelle O’Neill said: “The safety of donated blood depends on two things: donor selection and the testing of blood.
“Every blood donation is tested for HIV and a number of other organisms.
“Not even the most advanced tests are 100% reliable, so it is vitally important for every donor to comply with any deferral rules that apply to them.
“I will instruct the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service accordingly.”
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