The Chinese Ministry of Health has lifted a 14-year-old ban on lesbians donating blood.

The ban still applies to men who are sexually active with other men, but celibate homosexuals are permitted to give blood.

The original ban, enacted in 1998, barred homosexuals of both genders from donating blood out of a fear of spreading HIV and AIDS.

A prominent lesbian rights activist in China said she applauds the amendment and what it means for lesbians in China.

Organisations such as the joint United Nations program on HIV and AIDS have commended the Chinese government on advancements in the attitude on AIDS.