Date: Sun, 31 Jul 94 19:49:11 PDT
From: us605@freenet.victoria.bc.ca (Robb Stewart)


                    N E W S   R E L E A S E
                        July 26, 1994

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     CANADIAN RED CROSS CANCELS UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA
                 SUMMER BLOOD DONOR CLINIC
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 The Canadian Red Cross Society (CRC) has cancelled their
 University of Victoria summer blood drive following a
 damaging report by the university, and an impending B.C.
 Council of Human Rights investigation.

 The June 8th report released by the UVic Equity Issues
 Office, found the CRC in violation of the university's
 Harassment Policy.  The decision was made following a
 complaint lodged against the CRC by two UVic students
 citing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

 During a previous blood donor clinic at the university,
 the two students were refused as donors after answering a
 question regarding male to male sexual contact as part of
 the CRC's donor screening process.  The two students felt
 harassed by a question that focuses solely on their sexual
 orientation instead of their sexual activities.

 "The Red Cross is still operating under stereotypical and
 dangerous assumptions about HIV transmission and AIDS.",
 said Robb Stewart, one of the complainants and gay activist.
 "Everyone knows when it comes to contracting HIV that it's
 not who you are that puts you at risk, it's what you do that
 matters.  Obviously, someone forgot to tell the Red Cross."

 The Equity report concluded that, "Excluding the complainants
 from donating blood was demeaning and offensive and, according
 to the Policy, was therefore harassment." and that, "...this
 discrimination reinforces the false belief that all gays are
 at high risk of HIV infection."

 "Changing the wording of the questionnaire to target
  high risk activities benefits all Canadians as they can
  be assured that their blood supply is being adequately
  screened.", argued Stewart.

 He also added, "We want the Red Cross to assume greater
 HIV/AIDS responsibility in order to ensure the ultimate safety
 of their blood products.  This includes the revision of the
 questionnaire to reflect current medical knowledge regarding
 HIV transmission and AIDS."

 Similar complaints have been filed against the CRC at several
 other Canadian universities.  (McGill & Concordia)

 Stewart recently learned that the B.C. Council of Human Rights
 has decided to formally investigate his charge of discrimination
 against the CRC under the B.C. Human Rights Act.


 For further information, interviews or documentation, please contact:

- Robb Stewart, (604)361-2697, Fax:(604)721-1662,
                E-mail:us605@freenet.victoria.bc.ca

 (Please note: Second complainant wishes to remain anonymous)

- University of Victoria Public Relations and Information
  Services (604)721-7636

- B.C. Council of Human Rights (604)387-3710
  Investigator: Dave Ages (604)660-9916

- University of Victoria Students' Society (604)721-8366

- Please E-mail the President of the University of Victoria to
  support the university's decision at: dstrong@uvvm.uvic.ca