GuelphToday received the following letter to the editor from Patrick Stiles who attempted to register to give blood, but was denied because he's gay:
I tried, I really did. I booked my appointment to donate blood for Jan. 1. But once I entered my information, I was put in touch with a nurse, and of course, I can't donate because I've had sex with my husband within the last three months (believe me, I almost lied – it's not out of the realm of possibilities in married life).
Health Canada is finally in a position to approve Canadian Blood Services' request to end their discriminatory policy: not accepting the blood of gay men.
They have missed out on 20+ years of regular donations from me, because of their discriminatory policy.
Does the average Canadian know that a guy like me - married and in a monogamous relationship for the past 10 years – is not able to donate blood because our government thinks I'm too much of a risk? It's ridiculous.
I have to say, the only time I can ever recall being discriminated against for being gay, is from our Federal Government, and Health Canada and Canadian Blood Services. This needs to end. My guess is there's probably 45 gays in Guelph that could have filled those spots if they were allowed.
- Patrick Stiles
