Julie Taton recently submitted a bill calling for an end to this discrimination. “I'm happy that a journalist contacted me to talk about something other than my move”breathes the liberal, who recalls having several texts of laws to her credit. “I am particularly involved in the issues of people with disabilities, caregivers and school transportation. I had very good discussions with Minister Yves Coppieters (LE) and many meetings with associations. If anyone would like to contact me to discuss an unfair issue or share an idea, I am always open. My political commitment is based on this connection with the field.”
Legislation concerning blood donation by MSM has evolved significantly since the 1980s. At the time, men who had sex with men (MSM) were simply not allowed to donate blood. The law of August 11, 2017 put an end to the total exclusion of MSM from donating blood. But it was not until 2022 and several bills from different parties (PS, Ecolo, MR, etc.) that the Health Commission reduced the exclusion period for MSM to four months.
Julie Taton's proposal is in line with Unia's position. The Center for Equal Opportunities believes, in fact, that the category of MSM, used as a general exclusion criterion, must disappear as quickly as possible.
“HIV increased by 13% last year, and we have seen an increase for three years in a row. Being a carrier of HIV should not be equated with homosexuality. It is crucial to stop this conflation. Blood donation is an act of solidarity, everyone must be able to contribute, regardless of their sexual orientation. We must put an end to this unjust discrimination. It is imperative to adapt the legislation to prioritize risky behavior as the number 1 criterion. This reform is therefore a question of fairness, but also of efficiency in our management of blood stocks, given the frequent calls due to shortage risks.”
