Its not just a matter of your sexual preference. I lived in England for almost a year back in the late 80's... I have been told that due to the Mad Cow thing I can not give blood.

It is because they already have to screen for so many things they try to get as unadulterated blood as possible.

I am a universal donor and can not give blood... I think they need to do something about the screening and or acceptance but I think about the other side also.

How upset would you be if,because of a screener mistake, a child of yours got Mad Cows Disease during a transfusion to save their life. They are making guidelines to prevent spreading disease and for the long run, with all of the bugs that are out there, I think they are making the most prudent choice.