Homosexuality: Genes or Choice?

Abstract

Despite claims by homosexual activists to the contrary, scientific studies have failed to prove that homosexuality is genetically determined. There is no evidence that anyone is "born gay." In fact, psychology has proven quite successful in reversing homosexuality, and twin studies show strong evidence that it is individual choices and personalities that are the major contributing factors.

Homosexuality: Genes or Choice

Are homosexuals born that way, or do they choose their lifestyle? The implications of the question for public policy and private life are enormous. If homosexuality is genetic, then those who have a same-sex "orientation" are no more responsible for their situation than a person can be responsible for having blue eyes. This is the premise upon which most of the homosexual rights arguments are based. If, however, homosexuality is a choice that is within the individual's control, then it is subject to moral and legal controls and can be judged right or wrong.

Studies of the Brain

LeVay's Cell Cluster

In 1991, Simon LeVay conducted autopsies on a set of 35 men and 6 women in order to examine their brains for signs of differences between homosexuals and heterosexuals. His research was soon proclaimed to have discovered that the size of a cluster of cells (INAH-3) was smaller in both women and homosexuals than in heterosexual men, and cited as proof that differences in the brain might cause homosexuality. Several questions have been raised regarding both his methods and the conclusions drawn from his findings. Writing in MIT's Technology Review, geneticists Paul Billings and Jonathan Beckwith criticized the reliability of the study, stating that LeVay