I'm so pissed right now.

The Portuguese government, who say they're going to push for same-sex marriage come next legislature, have now officially supported what was already happening for years in hospitals all over the country: Gay man are not allowed to donate blood.

They say they're not being prejudiced, just weeding out Risk GROUPS, an expression nobody uses anymore. This, to me, will surely make straight folks think they're safe from HIV infection and REEKS of prejudice.

How can I believe they're going to push for same sex marriage after this?

I feel your pain, Pedro. 

The last time the Red Cross did a donation day at our school, I went in and donated -- and I totally lied about my sexual orientation, because I've been turned down before.

Eric made me throw out the free t-shirt, he was so mad at me.

I was wondering about that - I was at a huge blood drive recently and those questions were presented multiple times during the pre-donation screening - not just regarding sexual orientation, but also intravenous drug use and sex with prostitutes.  My brother, who spent 6 months in England in the late 80's, can probably never donate blood because of potential exposure to Mad Cow disease.

That said, they also do screen all donated blood for HIV/AIDS.