Stunned! That's how I was when I woke up yesterday to the news that the Court of Justice of the European Union endorsed the ban in some countries on homosexuals donating blood.
In 2012, the organization received the Nobel Peace Prize for its contribution to reconciliation, democracy, and the fight for human rights. And today I wonder if this Court, which supposedly fights for the integration and reconciliation of nations, and therefore of its people, has thought about the damage it can do to a collectively discriminated, excluded, and isolated from society for centuries.
The ruling is a breath of fresh air for right-wing governments and opens the door to ultra-conservative, homophobic, and sectarian positions, which turn real integration into little more than a beautiful dream.
We know them. They are supported by the same political parties that position themselves against the rights of people, public, universal, free, and quality healthcare and education. And also against the free decision of LGBT people regarding issues such as marriage, adoption, identity, or, now, blood donation.
It is true that in matters of public health, we must act with caution, I understand that. But there must be other types of filters and strategies that do not lead to greater stigmatization of a group that has already suffered too much.
I cannot conceive of a European Union that represents fraternity between nations if it does not at the same time defend equal rights for all citizens. Rights that make us equal, without distinction of race, religion, origin, or sexual orientation.
Jimena Álvarez, General Secretary of the Socialist Youth of Lanzarote