Labour Group removes references to gay and bisexual discrimination in Lib Dem blood donation motion
June 18, 2010 12:00 AM
The ruling Labour Group on Nottingham City Council this week voted to remove references to gay and bisexual men from a Liberal Democrat motion celebrating World Blood Donor Day and highlighting the discrimination which stops men who have sex with men from donating blood.
The motion, proposed by Cllr Alex Foster, highlighted the unfair discrimination against gay and bisexual men and asked the Council's portfolio holder for Adult Support and Health, Cllr Eunice Campbell, to lobby the National Blood Service about scrapping the policy.
However, responding, Cllr Campbell proposed an amendment which removed two sections of the motion, including scrapping the words: "Regrets that the blood service in the UK discriminates unfairly against different groups in our society including gay men and bisexual men." The Labour Group voted in favour of the amendment.
Cllr Foster said:
"My starting point in proposing this motion was to celebrate the life saving work of the blood service, and to encourage all who are able to donate blood regularly. I'm just sad I'm not allowed to join in with that good work.
"The UK Blood Service is currently reviewing its policy in relation to gay men donating blood. The NHS has already decided that it's safe for gay men to donate bone marrow and semen, and to carry donor cards, but hasn't yet made its decision about blood. I thought it was important for the City Council to join a number of voices lobbying the NHS about the signals that discrimination sends.
"The current discrimination lumps all men who sleep with men into the same category. It assumes that none of us is fit to give blood. I think that is wrong and needs to be changed. This is 2010, not 1985.
"The rules on blood donation should be changed to reflect the real risks. It's promiscuous people who don't take precautions who are at greatest risk from HIV. It's offensive to assume that all gay men and no straight people fit that category.
"I was very disappointed when Nottingham Labour chose to water down our motion. It seems that they just don't understand how important this issue is for the LGBT community and its supporters."
Full text of the original motion:
MOTION IN THE NAME OF COUNCILLOR FOSTER:
This Council…
1. Celebrates today's World Blood Donor Day, which highlights the importance of blood donation.
2. Celebrates the work of phlebotomists across the UK, and everyone who keeps this vital life-saving service running.
3. Urges all those who are able to donate blood to do so regularly.
4. Regrets that the blood service in the UK discriminates unfairly against different groups in our society including gay men and bisexual men.
5. Pledges that the Portfolio Holder for Adult Support and Health will write to and lobby central government and the National Blood Service, urging them to scrap their discriminatory and outdated policy towards gay and bisexual men."
Labour Group amendment:
Points 4 and 5 to be amended to read:
4. Welcomes the Review started under the previous Government, to review criteria for the donation of blood through the Advisory Committee, SaBTO, which will ensure the criteria are clearly linked to the most current scientific evidence and international Best Practice.
5. Recommends the Portfolio Holder liaise with City MPs when the Review is published in the autumn, to ensure Recommendations are implemented, which will address concerns about discrimination in the current criteria."
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