HALIFAX--This morning, students marked Halifax Pride Week with sidewalk chalk messages protesting Canadian Blood Servicesʼ discriminatory lifetime ban on blood donation from men who have had sex with men. The ban was introduced in 1985 and applies to men who have had sex with men even once 1977.

"Halifax Pride is a time for members of our queer and trans communities to celebrate past victories but itʼs also important to draw attention to the discrimination that continues to exist," said Gabe Hoogers, National Executive Representative of the Canadian Federation of Students – Nova Scotia. "The ban on blood donation from men who have had sex with men is clearly a discriminatory policy, based on outdated stereotypes."

Students wrote messages in chalk denouncing the blood ban throughout downtown Halifax while distributing information about the ban to passers-by. The action is part of the broader End the Ban campaign which includes post cards, posters, buttons and the www.endtheban.ca website. The Canadian Federation of Students joined organizations including Egale Canada and the Canadian AIDS Society, who have publicly called on CBS to repeal the ban.

"Weʼve seen a lot of public support for this campaign to end the ban and we know CBS is feeling the pressure," said Hoogers. "As students, we are proud to take a stand against homophobia and transphobia and hope that those attending Halifax Pride this week will join us in our call to end this unscientific ban."

Students will be marching in a 1980ʼs themed contingent in Saturdayʼs Pride Parade to bring attention to the ban, which was introduced during that decade. After the parade students will also have a table and be collecting End the Ban petition signatures at the Community Fair.