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Science told: hands off gay sheep
The Sunday Times (UK) ^ | December 31, 2006 | Isabel Oakeshott and Chris Gourlay

Posted on 12/30/2006 5:17:24 PM PST by Mount Athos

Edited on 12/30/2006 5:44:39 PM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]

Scientists are conducting experiments to change the sexuality of “gay” sheep in a programme that critics fear could pave the way for breeding out homosexuality in humans.

The technique being developed by American researchers adjusts the hormonal balance in the brains of homosexual rams so that they are more inclined to mate with ewes.

It raises the prospect that pregnant women could one day be offered a treatment to reduce or eliminate the chance that their offspring will be homosexual. Experts say that, in theory, the “straightening” procedure on humans could be as simple as a hormone supplement for mothers-to-be, worn on the skin like an anti-smoking nicotine patch.

The research, at Oregon State University in the city of Corvallis and at the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, has caused an outcry. Martina Navratilova, the lesbian tennis player who won Wimbledon nine times, and scientists and gay rights campaigners in Britain have called for the project to be abandoned.

Navratilova defended the “right” of sheep to be gay. She said: “How can it be that in the year 2006 a major university would host such homophobic and cruel experiments?” She said gay men and lesbians would be “deeply offended” by the social implications of the tests.

But the researchers argue that the work is valid, shedding light on the “broad question” of what determines sexual orientation. They insist the work is not aimed at “curing” homosexuality.

Approximately one ram in 10 prefers to mount other rams rather than mate with ewes, reducing its value to a farmer. Initially, the publicly funded project aimed to improve the productivity of herds.

The scientists have been able to pinpoint the mechanisms influencing the desires of “male-oriented” rams by studying their brains. The animals’ skulls are cut open and electronic sensors are attached to their brains.

By varying the hormone levels, mainly by injecting hormones into the brain, they have had “considerable success” in altering the rams’ sexuality, with some previously gay animals becoming attracted to ewes.

Professor Charles Roselli, the Health and Science University biologist leading the research, defended the project.

He said: “In general, sexuality has been under-studied because of political concerns. People don’t want science looking into what determines sexuality.

“It’s a touchy issue. In fact, several studies have shown that people who believe homosexuality is biologically based are less homophobic than people who think that this orientation is acquired.”

The research is being peer-reviewed by a panel of scientists in America, demonstrating that it is being taken seriously by the academic community.

Potentially, the techniques could one day be adapted for human use, with doctors perhaps being able to offer parents pre-natal tests to determine the likely sexuality of offspring or a hormonal treatment to change the orientation of a child.

Roselli has said he would be “uncomfortable” about parents choosing sexuality, but argues that it is up to policy makers to legislate on questions of ethics.

Excerpt


TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events; United Kingdom
KEYWORDS: birthdefects; celebrateperversity; gayanimals; gaysheep; genetictesting; homosexualagenda; medicalresearch; medicine; pseudoscience; science
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1 posted on 12/30/2006 5:17:25 PM PST by Mount Athos
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To: Mount Athos

I failed to post page 2 of article, click on link to see it


2 posted on 12/30/2006 5:19:19 PM PST by Mount Athos
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To: Mount Athos
....in a programme that critics fear could pave the way for breeding out homosexuality in humans.

Fear? The horror!

3 posted on 12/30/2006 5:19:23 PM PST by Mr. Mojo
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To: Mount Athos

perhaps a mod can append this to the article:

Michael Bailey, a neurology professor at Northwestern University near Chicago, said: “Allowing parents to select their children’s sexual orientation would further a parent’s freedom to raise the sort of children they want to raise.”

Critics fear the findings could be abused.

Udo Schuklenk, Professor of Bioethics at Glasgow Caledonian University, who has written to the researchers pressing them to stop, said: “I don’t believe the motives of the study are homophobic, but their work brings the terrible possibility of exploitation by homophobic societies. Imagine this technology in the hands of Iran, for example.

“It is typical of the US to ignore the global context in which this is taking place.”

Peter Tatchell, the gay rights campaigner, said: “These experiments echo Nazi research in the early 1940s which aimed at eradicating homosexuality. They stink of eugenics. There is a danger that extreme homophobic regimes may try to use these experimental results to change the orientation of gay people.”

He said that the techniques being developed in sheep could in future allow parents to “play God”.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the pressure group, condemned the study as “a needless slaughter of animals, an affront to human dignity and a colossal waste of precious research funds”.

The tests on gay sheep are the latest in a long line of experiments seeking to alter the sexuality of humans and animals.

Günther Dorner, a scientist in the former East Berlin, carried out hormone-altering tests on rodents in the 1960s in the hope of finding a way to eradicate homosexuality.

In 2002, Simon LeVay, an American neurologist, claimed to have discovered that homosexual and heterosexual men had physically different brains. His tests on the corpses of gay men who had died of Aids were widely criticised.


4 posted on 12/30/2006 5:20:00 PM PST by Mount Athos
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To: Mount Athos

I nominate your post for Headline Title of the Day.


5 posted on 12/30/2006 5:22:36 PM PST by Sender ("How do you know what the fish think? You're not a fish." -Hui Zi)
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To: Mount Athos
i wonder if there would be gay outrage if it was the other way around
6 posted on 12/30/2006 5:22:38 PM PST by stylin19a ("Klaatu Barada Nikto")
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To: Mount Athos
Roselli has said he would be “uncomfortable” about parents choosing sexuality, but argues that it is up to policy makers to legislate on questions of ethics.

I would be, too, if it would mean aborting potentially gay, (or potentially straight) babies. But the patch thing is another story.

Yikes! but what if some woman in comfortable shoes wanted to wear a patch that would insure that her daughter would grow up to wear comfortable shoes as well? It boggles, it truly does.

7 posted on 12/30/2006 5:23:27 PM PST by T. Buzzard Trueblood ("we can’t walk away from this war until we’re finished.” Roy Velez)
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To: Mount Athos

That's baaaaaaaaaaaaaad


8 posted on 12/30/2006 5:24:37 PM PST by NonValueAdded (Saddam is Dead! Bush's Fault. [Pray for our patriot brother, 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub.])
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To: Mr. Mojo
Thats as far as I read before I realized that it was a waste of time to read.
9 posted on 12/30/2006 5:24:52 PM PST by ritewingwarrior (Where does free speech end, and sedition begin?)
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To: Mount Athos
a programme that critics fear could pave the way for breeding out homosexuality in humans.

Its a behavioral choice, not a trait that can be bred out. Natural selection would have done so long ago.

10 posted on 12/30/2006 5:25:55 PM PST by Spirochete
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To: Mount Athos

Fools...

There will be no greater opponents of abortion than gays if a genetic link is determined.


11 posted on 12/30/2006 5:27:33 PM PST by TASMANIANRED (All I want for Christmas is a new tag line.)
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To: Mount Athos
She [Martin Navratilova] said gay men and lesbians would be “deeply offended” by the social implications of the tests.

Claim homosexuality is a choice? Homos get offended.

Claim homosexuality is not a choice but instead a genetic defect or hormonal imbalance? Homos get offended.

The only explanation that doesn't offend them is that their "orientation" is perfectly healthy and normal. ....even preferred.

12 posted on 12/30/2006 5:28:12 PM PST by Mr. Mojo
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To: Mount Athos

Udo Schuklenk, Professor of Bioethics at Glasgow Caledonian University, who has written to the researchers pressing them to stop, said: “I don’t believe the motives of the study are homophobic, but their work brings the terrible possibility of exploitation by homophobic societies. Imagine this technology in the hands of Iran, for example.




Gee, if Iran were able to make sure that all children born were straight, and there was no homosexuality, there would be no "homophobia." Duh.


13 posted on 12/30/2006 5:28:29 PM PST by doug from upland (Stopping Hillary should be a FreeRepublic Manhattan Project)
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To: Mount Athos

The research, at Oregon State University in the city of Corvallis and at the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, has caused an outcry. Martina Navratilova, the lesbian tennis player who won Wimbledon nine times, and scientists and gay rights campaigners in Britain have called for the project to be abandoned.



Quite a scary paragraph; research must be politically correct in all places at all times; security needs to be ramped up as one of the prized queer rams was found in a vehicle driven by an intoxicated OSU football player last year...the ram was uninjured. Sounds like that ram would be martyred now.


14 posted on 12/30/2006 5:31:03 PM PST by crazyhorse691 (The faithful will keep their heads down, their powder dry and hammer at the enemies flanks.)
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To: Mount Athos

How do you make a Hormone?











Dont pay her.


15 posted on 12/30/2006 5:31:20 PM PST by sgtbono2002 (The fourth estate is a fifth column.)
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To: Spirochete

Tell it to the sheep.


16 posted on 12/30/2006 5:31:52 PM PST by gcruse (http://garycruse.blogspot.com/)
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To: Larry Lucido; RepoGirl; Slings and Arrows

gay sheep ping!


17 posted on 12/30/2006 5:31:58 PM PST by lesser_satan (EKTHELTHIOR!!!)
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To: Mr. Mojo

The existence of a “trait” does require its human owner to act that “trait.” (Of course, this statement assumes that the “trait” is not a psychosis.) For example, heterosexual “orientation” requires no one to participate in rape, bigamy, prostitution, incest or any other sexual activity. Logically, therefore, the presence of a homosexual “orientation” (if such exists) requires no one to participate in homosexual activity.


18 posted on 12/30/2006 5:39:02 PM PST by Lucky Dog
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To: Spirochete
Its a behavioral choice, not a trait that can be bred out. Natural selection would have done so long ago.

There has to be some "programmed" inclination to making such a choice. Normal guys don't just wake one some day and say, "I think I'll forsake relations with women and go blow somebody". If natural selection took care of everything like you say, nobody would be born retarded either.

19 posted on 12/30/2006 5:39:25 PM PST by lesser_satan (EKTHELTHIOR!!!)
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To: Mount Athos
Navratilova defended the “right” of sheep to be gay.

OK, there's a combination of words I never thought I'd see used in that order. ;)

20 posted on 12/30/2006 5:40:20 PM PST by Mr. Jeeves ("When the government is invasive, the people are wanting." -- Tao Te Ching)
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To: Mount Athos
“I don’t believe the motives of the study are homophobic, but their work brings the terrible possibility of exploitation by homophobic societies......." >>>>>>>>>>>

Translation: Save those gay sheep for WE HOMOS!

They deserve civil unions with their owners?

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

21 posted on 12/30/2006 5:43:31 PM PST by Candor7 (Into Liberal flatulance goes the best hope of the West, and who wants to be a smart feller?)
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To: Mount Athos

This is exactly what was described in X-Men 3: the Last Stand. In the movie, some scientists found the 'cure' for mutations, and the mutants were against it. The director of the movie has said that the mutants were allegory for gays.


22 posted on 12/30/2006 5:47:10 PM PST by paudio (WoT is more important than War on Gay Marriage!)
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To: Mount Athos
The technique being developed by American researchers adjusts the hormonal balance in the brains of homosexual rams so that they are more inclined to mate with ewes.

Scientific proof! Homosexuality is a chemical imbalance and can be cured!

No wonder they're (gays) worried!

23 posted on 12/30/2006 5:47:43 PM PST by airborne (Duncan Hunter For President!)
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To: NonValueAdded

No that's just my DAAAAAAAAAAAD


24 posted on 12/30/2006 5:52:03 PM PST by Boazo (From the mind of BOAZO)
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To: Mr. Jeeves

Sheep have rights too!


25 posted on 12/30/2006 5:54:19 PM PST by CIDKauf (No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.)
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To: Sender
This would have been a better headline -

"Navratilova defended the “right” of sheep to be gay"

26 posted on 12/30/2006 5:54:21 PM PST by airborne (Duncan Hunter For President!)
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To: Mr. Jeeves

I have to agree with you.


27 posted on 12/30/2006 5:55:45 PM PST by SIDENET (Everybody was kung-fu fighting)
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To: Mount Athos

"Approximately one ram in 10 prefers to mount other rams rather than mate with ewes.."

"The scientists have been able to pinpoint the mechanisms influencing the desires of 'male-oriented' rams by studying their brains. The animals’ skulls are cut open and electronic sensors are attached to their brains."

“It’s a touchy issue.."

Ahum... shouldn't they also be looking at the "catchers" also?

Or did I miss something?




28 posted on 12/30/2006 5:57:07 PM PST by siznartuf (If I Hear "Jobs Americans Won't Do" One More ^%&^%^%# Time)
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To: SIDENET

Lets stir the pot...
They correct other DEFECTS!!!!!
If they can cure it then they should!


29 posted on 12/30/2006 5:58:12 PM PST by oldenuff2no
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To: Mount Athos

Now there's a 'headline' I won't touch with a ten foot pole.

No double-entendre jokes.


30 posted on 12/30/2006 5:59:06 PM PST by RightOnline
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To: stylin19a

I think homosexuals are more upset about the fact that the foundation of the experiments are based on the fact that homosexuality is a DEFECT.

Don't we now recomend women take certain vitamins in order to prevent birth defects?

What if this does not translate to humans?
Will prisons alter the food to include anti-homosexual nutrient mixes?

The jokes just never end.


31 posted on 12/30/2006 6:00:42 PM PST by longtermmemmory (VOTE! http://www.senate.gov and http://www.house.gov)
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To: Mount Athos

Many posters will see nothing wrong with this, and maybe there isn't. However, if it works, the same procedure could be used to enhance or eliminate any number of traits that are perceived to be desirable or undesirable. It's a big step down the road to designer babies, and that should be food for thought for everyone.


32 posted on 12/30/2006 6:01:58 PM PST by kms61
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To: airborne

Or maybe "Scientists Study Woolly Bugger".


33 posted on 12/30/2006 6:06:42 PM PST by Sender ("How do you know what the fish think? You're not a fish." -Hui Zi)
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To: Lucky Dog

which is in party why homosexual advocates went from PREFERENCE to orientation.

PREFERENCE is a choice, wherease orientation implies no choice.

Animals are often "confused" during mating season (ie frogs humpin anything female sized).

It is fascinating that homosexuals would be in such a painic attack. I now predict there will be vitamin companies which will market vitamin patches which aledge to prevent homosexuality.

Imagine how damaging that will be to homorecruiting when liberal parents secretly raise their kids with the assumption they have prevented homosexuality.


34 posted on 12/30/2006 6:08:30 PM PST by longtermmemmory (VOTE! http://www.senate.gov and http://www.house.gov)
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To: Mount Athos

Whatever these folks are smoking, I say BAN IT!!!


35 posted on 12/30/2006 6:09:33 PM PST by gidget7 (2Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:)
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To: Sender
"Scientists Study Woolly Bugger"

LOL! Now that's a headline!!

36 posted on 12/30/2006 6:10:52 PM PST by airborne (Duncan Hunter For President!)
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To: Mount Athos
breeding out homosexuality in humans.

More fodder for the fag freeks, I don't buy it! There hasn't been any substantiative evidence yet that homosexuality is genetic..........

The scientific and homosexual community have been trying for decades to prove that their behavior is driven by genetics rather than choice. They love this kind of publicity because its just another extreme lie that can be added to their arsenal........

37 posted on 12/30/2006 6:12:24 PM PST by Hot Tabasco (I taped a broom handle to my cat and turned her into a dust mop)
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To: kms61

we are already there.

Parents already give their children growth hormone to ensure they have greater highr than average.

Down sindrome babies are routinely aborted.

Some will even select for gender now.

It is not so bad provided it is defects being prevented or removed.


38 posted on 12/30/2006 6:13:53 PM PST by longtermmemmory (VOTE! http://www.senate.gov and http://www.house.gov)
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To: longtermmemmory
It is fascinating that homosexuals would be in such a painic attack. I now predict there will be vitamin companies which will market vitamin patches which aledge to prevent homosexuality.

Now that there is scientific proof that a cure is possible, let’s contact Jerry Lewis. I’m sure he will host a telethon to support funding for a cure for homosexuality.

I would personally contribute just so I wouldn’t have to listen to any more whining.
39 posted on 12/30/2006 6:15:24 PM PST by Lucky Dog
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To: Hot Tabasco

but imagine the difficulty of GLSEN and other GSA style recruiting programs.

Parents will now refuse "orientation awareness" (recruiting) classes.

No need Mz. Homosexual Recruiting Teacher, we prevented homosexuality in our child when it was in the womb.

Even if only a perception, such a perception will be devastating to homosexual recreational sex politics. Why fund homosexual programs in public school if it can be prevented.


40 posted on 12/30/2006 6:17:03 PM PST by longtermmemmory (VOTE! http://www.senate.gov and http://www.house.gov)
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To: Lucky Dog

facinating how homosexuals fear the mere PERCEPTION of a cure.


41 posted on 12/30/2006 6:18:56 PM PST by longtermmemmory (VOTE! http://www.senate.gov and http://www.house.gov)
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To: Mount Athos

Brain...locked...up...too...many...punchlines...help...me...


42 posted on 12/30/2006 6:22:02 PM PST by Billthedrill
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To: longtermmemmory
facinating how homosexuals fear the mere PERCEPTION of a cure.

The existence of such a cure would mean that they would no possible excuse to engage in the activity. Furthermore, there would no reason that society should not outlaw homosexual behavior in the same manner it does with prostitution, bigamy, etc.

There would be no possible support for special “group” rights and subsequent legal bullying, etc.

The more I think about it, the more I think we should start a funding charity to support this research under the banner of an HIV/AIDS cure.
43 posted on 12/30/2006 6:25:34 PM PST by Lucky Dog
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To: longtermmemmory
Parents already give their children growth hormone to ensure they have greater highr than average. Incorrect. You can't get growth hormone without a doctor's Rx(and that stuff isn't cheap, either)
44 posted on 12/30/2006 6:27:03 PM PST by darkangel82
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To: Mount Athos
Navratilova defended the “right” of sheep to be gay.

What next? Sheep have the right to a faaabulous wardrobe and track lighting?

45 posted on 12/30/2006 6:30:55 PM PST by ConservaTexan (February 6, 1911)
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To: Sender
I nominate your post for Headline Title of the Day.

So would the movie for this be called "BrokeBaaaaaaaaaack Mountain"? (tee hee)

46 posted on 12/30/2006 6:34:18 PM PST by Christian4Bush ("A gov't big enough to give you all is big enough to take it all from you." Gerald Ford 1913-2006)
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To: Mount Athos

I have a news flash for the gay and lesbian community. The sheep program is not about homophobia it is about simple economics. If the ram refuse to breed the ewes there will be a loss of the product ( lambs)from which sheep farmers make their living.


47 posted on 12/30/2006 6:35:22 PM PST by lastchance (Hug your babies.)
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To: Mount Athos

So, if I support research for a cure for cancer, does that make me cancerphobic?


48 posted on 12/30/2006 6:38:12 PM PST by NavVet (O)
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To: Mount Athos

The March of Dimes, and others, want to prevent birth defects through abortion.

Here is a possible solution to a problem (that some champion as a lifestyle CHOICE) and we are told that "science shouldn't go there".

They needn't fear being without fresh meat. They'd still recruit.


49 posted on 12/30/2006 6:42:42 PM PST by weegee
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To: Mr. Mojo

The Sex Positive agenda believes in hedonism. They seek to end all moral judgements over sexual pairings regardless of age, sex, relation, marital status, number, or species of partner(s).

They seek to see everyone sexually active at every age and do not believe in a concept of age appropriate activity.

Reich, Kinsey, and feminists all preached this new world order.


50 posted on 12/30/2006 6:46:25 PM PST by weegee
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