No, they were turned down because he had sex with a man. You can be gay AND donate blood. However, there are standards and being celibate is the only standard.
I was in Panama. There are "safe" zones in Panama. However, if you go into the jungle, no donations FOR A FULL YEAR.
Now, it didn't matter that I flew, by helicopter, onto one little mountainside for a half hour to look at wreckage. I got rejected.
I was stationed in Europe so I can't donate either. I'd like to. Before going overseas I would donate every time I was able (every other month?) even though I REALLY DON'T LIKE NEEDLES!!!
Does the moron realize that if you get a tattoo, no matter how clean the establishment is, you cannot donate either?