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    CSL Plasma's Pattern of Discrimination

    Transgender and non-binary Minnesotans have the right to donate plasma without being turned away because of their gender identity. However, CSL Plasma denied two Minnesotans from donating because of their gender identity. 

    Charged with enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) sued CSL Plasma, the world's largest collector of human plasma. MDHR obtained a successful resolution of the lawsuit in court. As a result, CSL Plasma cannot prohibit Minnesotans from donating plasma solely because of their gender identity. 

    CSL Plasma timeline 2011 - 2021

    2011

    • Alice, a transgender women, began donating plasma in Duluth.
    • CSL Plasma required Alice to mark male on her intake form. 

    2015

    • CSL Plasma stopped Alice from donating when she marked female, consistent with her gender identity.
     

    2016

    • Alice filed a charge of discrimination with MDHR.
     

    2017

    • MDHR found probable cause that CSL Plasma discriminated against Alice.
     

    2018

    • CSL Plasma refused to work with MDHR to settle the case.
    • CSL Plasma continued to discriminate against Alice when she tried to donate in Minneapolis.
     

    2019

    • MDHR sued CSL plasma for violating the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
    • CSL Plasma claims they updated their policies.
    • CSL Plasma discriminated again on the basis on gender identity. This time against Charlie, who is non-binary.
    • MDHR amended its lawsuit against CSL Plasma for continuing to discriminate on the basis of gender identity.
     

    2020 

    • Case continues to be litigated in court. 

    2021

    • MDHR obtained a successful resolution of the lawsuit in court. As a result, CSL Plasma cannot prohibit Minnesotans from donating plasma solely because of their gender identity.  
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