The government's adjusted rules, which will be rolled out across the UK, mean that gay and bisexual men in long-term relationships will be able to donate blood. Until now, the government's policy has stipulated that gay and bisexual men were not allowed to donate blood unless they stopped having sex with men for three months — known as the deferral period.

The changed policy will also focus on "individual behaviours" in a more individualised risk assessment of donors, rather than imposing a blanket ban, per the government announcement.

LGBTQ advocacy organisations have welcomed the changes. Nancy Kelley, chief executive of Stonewall, said the move was an important first step in making blood donation more inclusive.

"While we welcome today’s news, we know much more still needs to be done to tackle the challenges that lead to gay and bi men, along with other groups of people including Black African communities, sex workers, and trans communities, being at higher risk of acquiring HIV and other STIs," she added.

The UK's health and social care secretary Matt Hancock called the move a "landmark change," and said, "This is a positive step and recognises individuals for the actions they take, rather than their sexual preference."

Read the full article about the UK's important step in making blood donation more inclusive by Rachel Thompson at Mashable.