|
from "Born that way" theory
Governor Howard Dean Misunderstands
Origins Of Homosexual Behavior
by Dr. A. Dean Byrd
Presidential hopeful Dr. Howard Dean was recently quoted in the Washington Post
as saying that, "From a religious point of view, if God had thought
homosexuality is a sin, he would not have created gay people," and "The
overwhelming evidence is that there is very significant, substantial genetic
component to it [homosexuality]."
Dr. Dean's theological comment, while sounding compassionate, is a rather na•ve
view of homosexuality. Homosexual behaviors are fraught with serious mental
health and physical consequences--all of which are well documented in scientific
literature. One doesn't have to consider homosexuality to be sinful to
understand that such behaviors places its participants at risk for
mental/physical illnesses.
The fact is that a condition such as Down's Syndrome has a genetic component to
it, but we do not consider this as a positive, life affirming physical state.
Even if homosexuality were found to have a genetic basis, the mental/physical
health consequences would still be present.
In 1999, the Medical Institute of Sexual Health reported that, "Homosexual men
are at significantly increased risk of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, anal cancer,
gonorrhea and gastrointestinal infections as a result of their sexual
practices." Dr. Dean should be asked why he thinks homosexual behavior should be
encouraged when this behavior so clearly endangers men's lives.
We have learned at NARTH that homosexuals can be helped through therapy to
overcome unwanted homosexuality, with its elevated risk of both emotional and
physical disorders. Dr. Robert Spitzer, one of the psychiatrists who led the
American Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality as a mental illness
from the diagnostic manual, is now convinced that not only can homosexual
behaviors be eliminated but that some individuals can experience a change in
sexual orientation from predominantly homosexual to predominately heterosexual
through the help of competent therapy. He has recently published a study that
found that a homosexual orientation can be modified.
Dr. Dean's second statement is even more problematic than his flawed theological
views on homosexuality. To say that there is "overwhelming" evidence that
homosexuality has a "significant, substantial genetic" component is just the
opposite of what the latest scientific research says.
In fact, even gay-activist researchers themselves, who have been desperately
seeking a genetic element to homosexuality, have come up empty. Several of these
researchers have openly admitted their failure.
My previously published article, "The Innate-Immutable Argument Finds No Basis
In Science--In Their Own Words: Gay Activists Speak About Science, Morality,
Philosophy," quotes several of these researchers, including Drs. Dean Hamer and
Simon LeVay. According to Hamer, "There is not a single master gene that makes
people gay. ... I don't think we will ever be able to predict who will be gay."
Dr. LeVay says, "I did not prove that homosexuality is genetic, or find a
genetic cause for being gay. I didn't show that gay men are born that way, the
most common mistake people make in interpreting my work."
Homosexual philosopher Camille Paglia is quite blunt in her assessment of the
"born gay" theory: "No one is born gay. The idea is ridiculous ... homosexuality
is an adaptation, not an inborn trait. ..."
In short, Dr. Dean's comments are not only inaccurate, but pose serious
consequences for the health and well-being of homosexual individuals who are
struggling with unwanted same-sex attractions or who are engaged in sexual
practices that can lead to increased morbidity and mortality rates.
A person who seeks the highest office in the land should be more responsible in
his comments on a subject as controversial as homosexuality--should certainly be
informed by the research. A commitment to the basic civil rights of
self-identified gays and lesbians does not require a belief in the false notion
that homosexuality is innate and immutable in all people. It is not.
Updated: 2 September 2008
|
