In a short note published on the Presidency's website, it is described that the diploma amending Law No. 37/2012 was enacted.

The decree-law was approved by the Assembly of the Republic on November 5, with favourable votes from all parties.

The bills in question proposed changes to the Blood Donor Statute, to end discrimination against donors based on sexual orientation and gender identity, following complaints about situations that continue to persist.

The final text defines that "those who comply with objectively, clearly and proportionally defined eligibility criteria, and who respect the principles of confidentiality, equity and non-discrimination, by order of the Ministry of Health" can give blood.

"The eligibility criteria defined in the terms of the previous number cannot discriminate the blood donor on the grounds of their sexual orientation, their gender identity and expression, and their sexual characteristics", the text reads.

It is further defined that "it is the responsibility of blood establishments to ensure that blood donors meet all eligibility criteria and that these criteria are applied objectively, equally and proportionally to all candidates".

In the same article, referring to blood donation, it is also established that the Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation "promotes the training of health professionals working in this matter, in accordance with the criteria and principles defined in the terms of this article".

The final text also defines the promotion, by the Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation, "in partnership with educational institutions", of an annual campaign "to encourage the donation of blood by young people".

In October this year, the Instituto Português do Sangue filed three inquiry processes against professionals for alleged discriminatory practices in the blood donation of homosexual men, understanding that there are no facts that justify disciplinary infractions.