Difference between revisions of "Homosexuality and Genetics"
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The American Psychological Association says: | The American Psychological Association says: | ||
"Many scientists share the view that [[sexual orientation]] is shaped for most people at an early age through complex interactions of biological, psychological and social factors." <ref>http://www.narth.com/docs/istheregene.html</ref> | "Many scientists share the view that [[sexual orientation]] is shaped for most people at an early age through complex interactions of biological, psychological and social factors." <ref>http://www.narth.com/docs/istheregene.html</ref> | ||
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| + | In any event, the search for a "gay gene," largely misses the point. Homosexual ''behavior'', regardless of one's "orientation" is still voluntary and subject to control by the human will. | ||
==Work of the Human Genome Project== | ==Work of the Human Genome Project== | ||
Revision as of 13:19, September 10, 2007
A gay gene which causes homosexuality has not been identified. Homosexuality is not "hard-wired" or inevitable in anybody.
The American Psychological Association says: "Many scientists share the view that sexual orientation is shaped for most people at an early age through complex interactions of biological, psychological and social factors." [1]
In any event, the search for a "gay gene," largely misses the point. Homosexual behavior, regardless of one's "orientation" is still voluntary and subject to control by the human will.
Work of the Human Genome Project
- Dr. Collins succinctly reviewed the research on homosexuality and offers the following: "An area of particularly strong public interest is the genetic basis of homosexuality. Evidence from twin studies does in fact support the conclusion that heritable factors play a role in male homosexuality. However, the likelihood that the identical twin of a homosexual male will also be gay is about 20% (compared with 2-4 percent of males in the general population), indicating that sexual orientation is genetically influenced but not hardwired by DNA, and that whatever genes are involved represent predispositions, not predeterminations." [2]
- Regarding the contributions of genetics to areas such as homosexuality, Dr. Collins concluded, "Yes, we have all been dealt a particular set of cards, and the cards will eventually be revealed. But how we play the hand is up to us." [3]
External links
- "Homosexuality Is Not Hardwired," Concludes Dr. Francis S. Collins, Head Of The Human Genome Project
- Is there a "gay gene"? - explores how the media misrepresented the science