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Orlando Democrat: FDA Should End Ban On Gay Men Giving Blood

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ORLANDO (CBSMiami/AP) — An Orlando congressman is calling for an end to the ban on gay and bisexual men wanting to give blood.

Rep. Alan Grayson says the Pulse shooting illustrates the importance of ending federal restrictions on the matter.

In a conference call led Tuesday by gay rights advocates, Grayson said he planned legislation aimed at updating the country's system for screening blood donations.

Grayson said no one should be turned away from giving blood after a tragedy like the June 12th massacre at a gay club that killed 49 and injured dozens.

Hundreds rushed to donate blood to help the victims, but the Food and Drug Administration bars donations from men who have had sex with a man in the previous year.

Grayson and Colorado Democrat Jared Polis said Tuesday the FDA would improve public health by updating a discriminatory policy.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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