www.simoncollier.ca

Apparently I have been living under a rock for the past eight months because I knew nothing of this until today when I noticed a friend leaving a Facebook group called “Reverse Canada’s Ban On Gay Male Organ Donors“.

“Hah,” I thought, “Someone’s joined a group protesting a fake cause,” as I dismissed the idea of Canada refusing “queer organs” as preposterous. I’m in Canada, after all. And it’s 2008.

After some research I discovered that my concept of “Canada” is sadly optimistic. As of January 2008 gay men who have been sexually active in the past 5 years are not welcome to donate their organs to save a life, unless the recipient has been informed of their “high-risk” behaviour.

I do wonder how they will broach the subject with a potential donor on their deathbed.

“Bob, you have seven minutes left to live. There’s no hope for you, but some of your organs are in good shape. Your organs could save the lives of 5 to 7 people, and help up to 30. Would you be willing to donate?”
“Of course, anything I can do to help.”
“Just one question Bob: You’re not a puff, are you?”

An unnamed spokesperson for Health Canada insists gay men are not being unfairly singled out. After all, a straight man who has had sex with another man in the past five years would be equally ineligible to donate.

McCain alludes to Paris Hilton being incapable in an attack ad aimed at Obama. While the attack itself was childish, the result is brilliant: Paris Hilton made her own campaign ad. I don’t like Paris, but if this was the first time I’d ever heard her name I’d probably be voting for her. (Y’know, if I was American.)