Science research on the gay gene

[firefox]

I really just wanted to put this up since the fascists are employing Guns, Gays, and God for purposes of power. I read this at http://curezone.com/forums/m.asp?f=237&i=2490 and it is about the UK Independent story at http://news.independent.co.uk/world/science_technology/story.jsp?story=644275

I hope somebody can report in this thread the link to FreeRepublic when it is posted there. Without comment, here is the introduction and the first four paragraphs of the article.


Sexuality determined by nature or nurture? Fruit fly gives the answer
By Tom Anderson

05 June 2005

The long-running scientific debate about whether homosexuality is determined by nature or nurture is dramatically closer to resolution after new scientific evidence was published yesterday.

Biotechnologists have found evidence that sexuality is, after all, determined by genes and not environment. Researchers discovered a single "switch gene" that swaps the sexual orientation of males and females.

In the research, published yesterday, genetically altered male fruit flies spurned females and became attracted to other males. Genetically altered females engaged in complex male mating rituals, vibrating their wings, licking other female flies' genitalia and curling their backs ready for copulation. They rebuffed males that tried to mate with them.

The heated debate about the nature of gay sexual orientation has divided opinion for decades, with many gay men and women saying that they were born homosexual. Anti-homosexual activists say that gay sexual orientation is learnt and can be "cured" with psychological help.

[leeman67]

1. Unfortunately, none of this matters to the religious fundamentalists

Keep in mind that they already ignore scientific data that proves evolution and global warming. Facts mean nothing to these people.

[Tux]

5. Unless

It can be used to justify killing gays. Nazis did it so why should fundies be any different?

[Maple]

2. And here's the study

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/03/science/03cell.html?hp&ex=1117771200&en=9aa5ea68d5a3e9b5&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[KaliTracy]

3. they don't believe in evolution so why would they believe in a

scientific study involving fruit flies and their genes?

[Placebo]

4. Sexuality is so complex though.

I mean, human beings aren't fruit flies. (insert bad joke here)

I've always viewed sexuality in far more abstract and fluid terms than "gay" or "straight". Most people will engage in some form of "homosexual" behaviour in their lifetime, but what does that mean? Does that mean they have the gay gene? Does that make us all gay or all straight? Do these labels even exist? What about a "gay" man who is still attracted to women from time to time?

Bah.

[burrowowl]

7. Genes

determine what one is prone to: depression, optimism, diabetes, athletic ability, etc.
"I've always viewed sexuality in far more abstract and fluid terms than "gay" or "straight". Most people will engage in some form of "homosexual" behaviour in their lifetime, but what does that mean?"
I agree, I am a lesbian and was a friend of a gay man, we decided to 'try' with each other. The sex part didn't work, but the friend part did, even if I prefer Bach and he 19th century opera.
Sex, sexuality and other human behavior is complex. But, I must admit straight male pheremons turn me off, as well as some female. Males as ones to have sex with turn me off and not all females attract me.

[AngryWhiteLiberal]

6. Genetics are a threat to Christianity...determinism negates notion of sin.

The notion of "sin" in Christianity assumes that one has a choice (freewil) for "good" or "evil," so any deterministic system is antithetical to Western religion.

Genetics are a prime example of how science is PROVING that certain things considered "sins" may actually be beyond personal choice; therefore, NOT capable of being sins under current theocratic philosophies.

Personally, I LOVE IT when backwards-assed religious dogma runs SMACK AGAINST REALITY. It only shows how misanthropic their notions truly are.

JB

[freeplessinseattle]

8. It shouldn't matter whether or not it's a "choice" or genetic

to say "well, it's just genetic, they can't help it" still is intolerant.