Celibacy does not mean to abstain from sex

Re: the article “Ó’Ríordán: Lift ban on gay blood donors” (Irish Examiner, September 28); your columnist uses the word celibacy where it seems he means abstinence from sexual activity. 

Celibacy has no such connotations, it simply means not married. For example, where priests make a vow of celibacy it is simply a vow to stay unmarried, where they take a vow of chastity in addition, that is a vow not to become involved in sexual activity.

The mistake made by your correspondent is increasingly seen in the media.