London, 8 Sept 2011 – Ministers have agreed today to let men who have not had sex with another man in the past 12 months to donate from November in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland is expected to make a decision soon [BBC report].

Brussels, 8 September 2011 - The European Commission has affirmed that a blanket ban on blood donations from gay men and MSM (men who have sex with men) would be contrary to European Union law. Answering a written question from members of the European Parliament the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy indicated that EU law warranted the deferral of those “at high risk of acquiring severe infectious diseases” due to their “sexual behaviour”. Mr Dalli underlined that “‘sexual behaviour’ is not identical with ‘sexual orientation’”.

England, 10 Apr 2011 - Anne Milton, England's Minister for Health has announced that the gay bood ban will be lifted soon. The Minister indicated that  the policy was being reversed because of concerns that it was discriminatory and could breach equality laws

According to the new policy, men who have not had sex with a man for the past 10 years will be allowed to donate. Sexually active gay men, will however continue to be barred.