Post by JEM on Feb 17, 2014 18:34:36 GMT
ARE PEOPLE BORN GAY? OR STRAIGHT?
////////////////////////////////////////////
Much of the current media sources assume the question is a solved scientific problem with all the evidence pointing toward a biological (probably genetic) basis for a homosexual orientation. Contrary to this perception, the question has been poorly studied (or studied poorly), although there is some evidence on both sides of question. In addition, many of the initial studies, which were highly touted by the media as "proof" for a biological basis for homosexuality, have been contradicted by later, more thorough studies. This evidence falls into four basic categories:
1.Brain structure
2.Possible hormonal influences
3.Concordance of homosexuality in twins
4.Concordance of genetic markers in siblings
5.Real genetic studies (GWAS)
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
//////////////////////////
Until a few years ago, SEXUAL ORIENTATION used to be called SEXUAL PREFERENCE [ Choice ]
Obviously, the two terms denote significant differences in the the manner by which sexuality develops.
A preference is something that is chosen, whereas orientation is merely something that defines us. The differences are potentially important regarding how the law applies to those who are gay. If homosexuality is not chosen, but actually is a biologically-determined characteristic over which we have no choice, then laws should not treat gays and straights differently, since homosexuality would be equivalent to one's race, over which we have no control.
CONCLUSION - WHY ARE PEOPLE GAY ?
////////////////////////////////////////////
The question of how homosexual orientation originates has been the subject of much press, with the general impression being promoted that homosexuality is largely a matter of genes, rather than environmental factors. However, if one examines the scientific literature, one finds that it's not quite as clear as the news bytes would suggest.
The early studies that reported differences in the brains of homosexuals were complicated by HIV infection and were not substantiated by larger, better controlled studies. Numerous studies reported that possible hormonal differences affected homosexual orientation. However, these studies were often directly contradictory, and never actually measured any hormone levels, but just used proxies for hormonal influences, without direct evidence that the proxies were actually indicative of true hormone levels or imbalances. Twin studies showed that there likely are genetic influences for homosexuality, although similar studies have shown some genetic influences for homophobia and even opposition to abortion. Early childhood abuse has been associated with homosexuality, but, at most, only explains about 10% of those who express a homosexual orientation.
The fact that sexual orientation is not constant for many individuals, but can change over time suggests that at least part of sexual orientation is actually sexual preference.{ personal rebellious choice]. So it is not a matter of equality or human rights. but it remains rebellion against normality and against God.
ATTEMPTS TO FIND A " GAY GENE " HAVE LARGELY FAILED AND ARE UNPROVEN
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
These attempts have never identified any gene or gene product that is actually associated with homosexual orientation, with studies failing to confirm early suggestions of linkage of homosexuality to region Xq28 on the X chromosome. The question of genetic influences on sexual orientation has been recently examined using DNA micro-array technology, although, the results have largely failed to pinpoint any specific genes as a factor in sexual orientation.
www.godandscience.org/.../genetics_of...
Last updated November 25, 2013
////////////////////////////////////////////
Much of the current media sources assume the question is a solved scientific problem with all the evidence pointing toward a biological (probably genetic) basis for a homosexual orientation. Contrary to this perception, the question has been poorly studied (or studied poorly), although there is some evidence on both sides of question. In addition, many of the initial studies, which were highly touted by the media as "proof" for a biological basis for homosexuality, have been contradicted by later, more thorough studies. This evidence falls into four basic categories:
1.Brain structure
2.Possible hormonal influences
3.Concordance of homosexuality in twins
4.Concordance of genetic markers in siblings
5.Real genetic studies (GWAS)
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
//////////////////////////
Until a few years ago, SEXUAL ORIENTATION used to be called SEXUAL PREFERENCE [ Choice ]
Obviously, the two terms denote significant differences in the the manner by which sexuality develops.
A preference is something that is chosen, whereas orientation is merely something that defines us. The differences are potentially important regarding how the law applies to those who are gay. If homosexuality is not chosen, but actually is a biologically-determined characteristic over which we have no choice, then laws should not treat gays and straights differently, since homosexuality would be equivalent to one's race, over which we have no control.
CONCLUSION - WHY ARE PEOPLE GAY ?
////////////////////////////////////////////
The question of how homosexual orientation originates has been the subject of much press, with the general impression being promoted that homosexuality is largely a matter of genes, rather than environmental factors. However, if one examines the scientific literature, one finds that it's not quite as clear as the news bytes would suggest.
The early studies that reported differences in the brains of homosexuals were complicated by HIV infection and were not substantiated by larger, better controlled studies. Numerous studies reported that possible hormonal differences affected homosexual orientation. However, these studies were often directly contradictory, and never actually measured any hormone levels, but just used proxies for hormonal influences, without direct evidence that the proxies were actually indicative of true hormone levels or imbalances. Twin studies showed that there likely are genetic influences for homosexuality, although similar studies have shown some genetic influences for homophobia and even opposition to abortion. Early childhood abuse has been associated with homosexuality, but, at most, only explains about 10% of those who express a homosexual orientation.
The fact that sexual orientation is not constant for many individuals, but can change over time suggests that at least part of sexual orientation is actually sexual preference.{ personal rebellious choice]. So it is not a matter of equality or human rights. but it remains rebellion against normality and against God.
ATTEMPTS TO FIND A " GAY GENE " HAVE LARGELY FAILED AND ARE UNPROVEN
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
These attempts have never identified any gene or gene product that is actually associated with homosexual orientation, with studies failing to confirm early suggestions of linkage of homosexuality to region Xq28 on the X chromosome. The question of genetic influences on sexual orientation has been recently examined using DNA micro-array technology, although, the results have largely failed to pinpoint any specific genes as a factor in sexual orientation.
www.godandscience.org/.../genetics_of...
Last updated November 25, 2013