Congress Pushing To Lift Ban Prohibiting Gays From Donating Blood | News

ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI)– A federal push is underway to lift a ban that prohibits gay men from donating blood. The effort is garnering strong support at home.

Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley is leading the charge to change the law, which went into effect decades ago during the height of the aids epidemic. 

More than 60 lawmakers are working to overturn the measure. They say because of advancements in technology that improve the testing of blood for HIV and more medical knowledge about the disease warrant a change in the law.

The Red Cross and the manager of the Vital Voice Magazine support the effort.

In fact, Leon Braxton says there will be editorials published in the magazine encouraging support for change.