diff --git a/lib/galaxy/managers/users.py b/lib/galaxy/managers/users.py
index cb9f4c67b73..0cef6a3bea0 100644
--- a/lib/galaxy/managers/users.py
+++ b/lib/galaxy/managers/users.py
@@ -488,7 +488,7 @@ class UserManager(base.ModelManager, deletable.PurgableManagerMixin):
         """
         Send the verification email containing the activation link to the user's email.
         """
-        activation_token = self.__get_activation_token(trans, escape(email))
+        activation_token = self.__get_activation_token(trans, email)
         activation_link = url_for(controller='user', action='activate', activation_token=activation_token, email=escape(email), qualified=True)
         host = self.__get_host(trans)
         custom_message = ''