Following the shooting massacre in Orlando, there has been a desperate need for blood donations.  

The city was quick to respond lining up to donate, but some were turned away.

According to the FDA, which oversees the safety of the U.S. blood supply, men who have had sex with men, even protected sex within the past year cannot donate.

The FDA maintains that it’s a matter of safety, but recently it has been a contentious issue within Congress and the public.