Kerry Targeted in Campaign to Keep Gay Blood Ban

Sen. John Kerry is being targeted with a counter campaign led by a notoriously antigay group because of his push to end the federal ban on gay men donating blood.

Kerry and 40 members of Congress called on the Department of Health and Human Services in June 2010 to end the ban, arguing that "there is no longer any scientific evidence to warrant this policy." And HHS advisers announced in July that the policy is "suboptimal" and in need of change.

Now Peter LaBarbera and Americans for Truth About Homosexuality are working to ensure nothing changes. The organization, which is classified by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a "hate group" because it routinely spreads false information about gays, launched a "Keep the Gay Blood Ban" campaign.

In a letter announcing the effort, LaBarbera argues that gay people are a health threat.

"The connection between disease and unnatural — and bizarrely perverse — homosexual acts goes back to the roots of the 'gay revolution' in America," he claims while referencing the AIDS crisis.

"What is curious is that the United States government — even when led by Republicans — has taken precious little action against the 'gay' sex industry and LGBT activism that facilitate the very promiscuity that has a long history of causing and spreading disease."

He asks that people contact Kerry and Rep. Mike Quigley, who have been strong advocates for ending the ban.