Gay Chinese Man Sues Beijing Red Cross

July 05, 2010

A gay editor in China is suing a Beijing Red Cross centre for refusing to accept his blood donation because he is gay.

Navy Blood Donor

Wang Zizheng, an editor using his pen name, went to the blood centre in early June. He admitted his sexual orientation on the questionnaire and was subsequently told he could not donate blood.

Wang has decided to sue on the grounds of discrimination against gays and lesbians.

Speaking to AFP, he said, "for thousands of homosexuals in China, someone has to stand out." Wang is also seeking an apology from the centre.

"I agree with having restrictions on homosexuals; it is just they have to be scientific," he said.

But health officials believe the ban should remain in place.

"We don't suggest homosexuals, both gays and lesbians, donate their blood, as a precaution for the receivers," said an officer from Beijing Red Cross Blood Center. "We are following the health standard for blood donors issued by the Ministry of Health."

"There is a 'window period' for HIV/AIDS, when the person carries HIV but the virus cannot be detected in tests, said Li Yilon an advisor from Home of Red Ribbon, a centre caring for AIDS patients. “It is still a contagious period."

"The standard targets people's identities rather than their behaviour, which is not scientific," said Lu Jun, director of a non-profit organization promoting social justice.

"High-risk groups for HIV/AIDS are not homosexuals, but are people with multiple sex partners and those who have recently received blood."
 

Image source: U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ryan C. Delcore