Gay man sues over blood donation

A gay editor is making Chinese legal history by becoming the first person to sue Beijing Red Cross Blood Center (BRCBC) for refusing his blood. The case is now waiting to be filed at the Beijing higher people's court.

The editor, named Wang Zizheng (his pen name), tried to donate blood at Xidan Books Building on June 6. He replied he was gay in the health questionnaire and was told he was not qualified to be a donor by officers from BRCBC.

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