JOEBIALEK

The recent Supreme Court ruling striking down a Texas anti-sodomy law brings into question what factors were considered when the law was originally passed. A homosexual person is one who is sexually attracted to others of the same sex. Except for a genetic variation of nature, they are virtually identical to their heterosexual counter parts. They feel the very same kind of attraction to the same sex as heterosexuals feel about the opposite sex. Now, granted, there are those people who freely choose this behavior as a form of "life style" but that accounts for a very small population of homosexuals. In fact, if one is not genetically predispositioned for this behavior then by definition they are not truly homosexual but rather some deviant variation of perverted behavior. Some would argue that the Bible condemns homosexuality but I believe (through the persistence of science) this behavior will be proven to result from natural genetic variation. One can draw on the example of retarded people who by no action of their own are born comparatively slow or deficient in mental, physical, or emotional growth. Homosexual people are therefore entitled to engage in sexual behavior consistent with their genetic makeup so long as it is between consenting adults. To deny them this right would be the same as denying heterosexuals their right to consensual sex. Some would argue that sexuality is strictly for the purpose of reproduction but yet the animal kingdom has many variations of species who also cannot reproduce. Human beings are sexual beings as was intended by their creator and to suggest that a genetic variation of nature somehow makes homosexuals less human is indeed an inhuman concept.

JCS

If a homosexual union takes place between consenting adults it is obviously right for them, so the notion of perversion is held only by non-participating parties, of which it is none of their business.

Perverted is a word that should be reserved for describing those that would poke their noses into private doings or for describing the actions of our current adminstration.

meritocrat

I think homosexuality is genetic in nature. Certainly most research into the subject points towards a genetic cause.

I don't understand why homosexuality can be a 'choice'. Would a rational person choose a lifestyle that would lead to prejudice and hatred?

Dr. Retard

There's a political dispute about whether to use "sexual preference" or "sexual orientation". And the argument against using "sexual preference" makes no sense to me. I think the idea is that using "sexual preference" suggests that homosexuality is a choice. But how does it suggest that? After all, preferences typically are not chosen. Examples: I prefer the taste of chocolate to the taste of iodine. I prefer watching a good movie to receiving a kick in the nutsack. These preferences are not chosen; I couldn't change them if I wanted to; changing them is more-or-less beyond me. Same goes for sexual preferences. For example, I just can't get into moustache porn.

Do people who oppose use of "sexual preference" really think that preferences are chosen?

(Also, this whole dispute can be avoided simply by using "sexuality".)

Fr.Andrew

(Fr Andrew): Kinda. I understand what you're saying, but "prefer" does mean that a choice has been made.
"prefer 1. To choose or habitually choose as more desirable or more valuable."--American Heritage
Feeling sexually attracted to one gender rather than another (sexual orientation) is not a choice.

Pain Paien

Originally posted by meritocrat:

Which research, exactly? It would be nice to see some evidence if you actually some.

I have no real objection to the idea that homosexuality could be genetic, but there is absolutely no decisive reason for this conclusion. It is often mentioned as if it is incontrovertable fact, as in the original post of this thread, but there is no basis for this. The reality in identical twins (who share all the same genetic material) one can be homosexual, and the other heterosexual, would seem to prove that homosexuality cannot be solely based on genetics.

All that aside, however, I think the issue of whether or not homosexuality is a decision (though I believe that it is not), is irrelevant. What would it matter if it WERE a decision? Who does it harm? The real reason for the sentiment in America against homosexuality is thinly veiled bigotry (rooted in irrational distaste and similarly bigoted mythological writings).

Fr.Andrew

(Fr Andrew): Nothing conclusive still, but when there is,you'll probably read it here first.