Karas, who's gay, believes the ban discriminates "on the grounds of ‘sexual orientation,’" according to complaint filings obtained by BuzzFeed Canada. In particular, it claims that Karas is being denied a service "Canadians commonly believe to be their inalienable right."

He is seeking an undisclosed sum for pain and suffering.

"I saw a need to challenge this and we’re hoping to do that at the Canadian Human Rights Commission," Karas told BuzzFeed Canada.

The deferral period was lowered to one year in June, though it was still five years last time Karas tried to donate.

"I went in and tried to donate blood and sure enough they refused to take my blood on the basis that I’m gay," he said.

"They make you fill out a questionnaire and it blatantly asks if you’re a man whose had sex with another man and I answered truthfully, as anyone should."