To ask the Secretary of State for Health what legal advice his Department has received on the compatibility of the ban on gay men giving blood with anti-discrimination legislation; and if he will make a statement. (190213)

In April 2007, the Government introduced the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 (Statutory Instruments No. 1263). During the drafting of these regulations, consideration was given to the matter of blood donation from gay men. This led to specific provision being made in the regulations.

The aim of donor selection criteria is to protect the health of the population and current arrangements have proved to be an essential element in reducing transfusion-transmitted infections.