A lifetime ban on homosexual men giving blood in Northern Ireland is unjustifiable, the High Court heard yesterday.
A judge was told Minister for Health Edwin Poots’s stance was irrational and discriminatory.
Lawyers for an unidentified gay man are seeking a ruling that would bring Northern Ireland’s policy into line with the rest of the UK.
They also argue that the risk of spreading infection through blood is greater among heterosexual groups.
The complete prohibition, put in place during the 1980s Aids threat, was lifted in England, Scotland and Wales in November 2011. It was replaced by rules which permit donations from men whose last sexual contact with another man was more than a year ago.
Mr Poots has so far maintained the ban in Northern Ireland, declaring it was to ensure public safety.
Attorney General John Larkin QC, representing the department and the Minister, is expected to argue that no definitive decision has been taken.
The case continues.