Many Calling On Officials To Lift Ban That Prevents Blood Donations From Sexually Active Gay Men

POMONA (CBSLA.com) — As a gay man, Billy Fryer says the mass shooting in Orlando really hit home.

With 49 people killed and over 50 injured, he wishes he was there to help.

"I would have stood in those lines, and I would have done everything I could to donate my blood," Fryer said.

But even if he had been there, like some others who waited in long lines at a blood bank, he wouldn't be allowed to donate.

That's because of a ban the FDA put in place nearly 40 years ago. It prevents gay men and men who have sex with men from donating blood to avoid the risk of HIV transmission.

In December, the FDA loosened the ban so now they can donate but only if they haven't been with a male partner within a year of donating.

"Unfortunately, although this policy change is a good sign, it's still discriminatory against gay and bisexual men," said Jo Michael with Equality California.

He is fighting the rules he says are unrealistic and unnecessary due to today's testing methods that prevent possible contamination.

Fryer believes since the blood that's collected is tested before it's used, there is no reason to stop a certain group from giving.

"With technology, saying that, 'Look, this man is able to help save a life.' You would think we would want to help save that life. It shouldn't matter what their sexual preference is or whether they've had sex within the last year or the last week," Fryer said.

On Tuesday, LGBT activists and medical experts spoke out against the policy that was put in place during the height of the AIDS crisis.

Fryer hopes the country's health leaders are listening:

"It needs to be done away with. People need to open their eyes and realize, anyone can save a life," he said.

Also on Tuesday, six members of Congress sent a letter to the FDA commissioner asking the agency to completely lift the ban that prevents men who have sex with men from from donating blood.