State-run English-language China Daily reports on July 1, 2010:
A Chinese man is suing a Beijing Red Cross centre after his blood donation was turned down because he is gay, in what state media said Thursday was the first such case in the country.
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.”
Wang felt he was being discriminated against.
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Wang Zizheng, the plaintiff in the case, said he just hoped the public could treat homosexuals in a more rational way.
"I agree with having restrictions on homosexuals; it is just they have to be scientific," he said. He asked for a public apology from BRCBC and wanted to donate his blood again .
"For thousands of homosexuals in China, someone has to stand out," he said.