New Zealand has just halved it's donation restriction for gay men from 10 years to 5 years after having oral or anal sex with another man. In contrast, the United States permanently bars men who have sex with men from donating blood. Personally, I think the permanent restriction is archaic, discriminatory, and probably having negative effects on the blood supply. The U.S. has a blood shortage. Many gay men would love to be able to donate blood. It seems like there should be some way to come to an understanding that doesn't involve men having to lie about their sexual orientation. After all, many gay men are in low risk monogamous relationships. No one says that sexually active heterosexuals have to stop donating for long periods of time...