He 30 November 2024 The State of Honduras published in its official newspaper the reform to the article 9 of Executive Agreement No.. 629, Technical Standard for the Management of Blood and Blood Components, that since the year 1999 prohibited the donation of blood from “homosexual” people, “bisexuals and heterosexuals with risky sexual behaviors”. In practice, This restriction was also extended to trans people. The current provision eliminated these discriminatory distinctions based on sexual orientation and, according to international standards, modified restrictions based on exposure to high-risk blood infection situations such as, for instance, The hiv.
This modification to the Technical Standard is the product of the strategic litigation undertaken by our member, the Cattrachas Lesbian Network before the Inter-American Human Rights System, that sought the Installation of the High Level Commission for Friendly Solutions on the Strategic Litigation in Ráfaga and the declaration of responsibility of the Republic of Honduras for violating the equality and non-discrimination clause contained in the American Convention on Human Rights.
Before the cases reached the contentious stage, Cattrachas, Within the framework of the Installation of the Technical Commission, progress was made in respecting and guaranteeing the rights of LGBT people at the national level.. Product of said space and the persistence of the Cattrachas Lesbian Network in this fight that lasted almost a quarter of a century., It was possible to reform the aforementioned norm and allow blood donation to people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
From the Network of LGBTI+ Litigants of the Americas we applaud this regulatory modification in the Honduran legal system that allows progress in equality for LGBTI+ people!!
We will be vigilant of the socialization and implementation of the new regulations, by the National Government and the corresponding agencies.
What's more, We especially congratulate our colleagues from the Cattrachas Lesbian Network, who, through strategic litigation, made this important advance possible in the protection and guarantee of rights for Honduras, and precedent for the entire region.
