The lifting of the lifetime ban on men who have sex with men becoming blood donors, has been welcomed by Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney.
The new regulations come into effect today.
Mr McCartney said: "Earlier this year my party colleague and Health Minister Michelle O'Neill lifted the lifetime ban on men who have sex with men becoming blood donors.
"The new regulations represent another important step forward for equality.
"Blood donors save lives on a daily basis and we should be encouraging as many people as possible to become donors.”
Mr McCartney concluded: "This move by the health minister shows Sinn Féin's commitment to equality and we will continue to campaign for the removal of the discriminations and inequalities faced by the LGBT+ community."
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.
