Alleged genetic link to homosexual behavior documented in the animal world

Vivificat! - A Catholic Blog of Commentary and Opinion ^ | 18 June 2005 | Teófilo

[Teófilo]

Does that mean that if fruitflies "do it," humans can do it too?

Folks, the New York times published back on June 3 an article entitled For Fruit Flies, Gene Shift Tilts Sex Orientation, commenting on research that supposedly demonstrates the genetic ground for homosexuality. Dr. Barry Dickson, senior scientist at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology at the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna and other researchers warned that:

All the researchers cautioned that any of these wired behaviors set by master genes will probably be modified by experience. Though male fruit flies are programmed to pursue females, Dr. Dickson said, those that are frequently rejected over time become less aggressive in their mating behavior.

When a normal male fruit fly is introduced to a virgin female, they almost immediately begin foreplay and then copulate for 20 minutes. In fact, Dr. Dickson and his co-author, Dr. Ebru Demir of the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, specifically chose to look for the genetic basis of fly sexual behavior precisely because it seemed so strong and instinctive and, therefore, predictable.

But that didn't stop the NYT's reporter, Elisabeth Rosenthal, to conclude that

The finding supports scientific evidence accumulating over the past decade that sexual orientation may be innately programmed into the brains of men and women. Equally intriguing, the researchers say, is the possibility that a number of behaviors - hitting back when feeling threatened, fleeing when scared or laughing when amused - may also be programmed into human brains, a product of genetic heritage.

Or to quote from other academics with less qualms as to where the study should truly lead:

Still, experts said they were both awed and shocked by the findings. "The results are so clean and compelling, the whole field of the genetic roots of behavior is moved forward tremendously by this work," said Dr. Michael Weiss, chairman of the department of biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University. "Hopefully this will take the discussion about sexual preferences out of the realm of morality and put it in the realm of science."

He added: "I never chose to be heterosexual; it just happened. But humans are complicated. With the flies we can see in a simple and elegant way how a gene can influence and determine behavior."

Of course the reporter leaves the reader to reach his own conclusions abou Dr. Weiss' self-interest and possible bias in formulating his overarching conclusion that the study's result "...will take the discussion about sexual preferences out of the realm of morality and put it in the realm of science."

We need to be more aware of what academics of this school are trying to do and it is to reduce all human behavior to the pattern in which the neurons on one's brain are firing, and to the genetic blueprint they follow. Freedom of will and true choice are illusory: all human behavior is compulsive explained in the bioelectric impulses hardwired in each of us. Thus, homosexual behavior is no more and no less than heterosexual behavior and all prohibition against homosexual behavior should be seen as the manifestations of ancient taboos and outdated social conventions.

If human beings have to be equated to flies in the process, so be it. But I ask, where's the outrage in the gay community for being compared to mindless, soul-less insects?

- Read For Fruit Flies, Gene Shift Tilts Sex Orientation in the New York Times.

[ahayes]

Wait a second, they're saying that studies in fruit flies show that heterosexuality is normative, and this means that being homosexual is genetic? Way to leap to a conclusion. . .

[Jeff Chandler]

The NYTIMES is dominated by homosexuals who push their agenda.

[Credo_in_unum_deum]

Equally intriguing, the researchers say, is the possibility that a number of behaviors - hitting back when feeling threatened, fleeing when scared or laughing when amused - may also be programmed into human brains, a product of genetic heritage...said Dr. Michael Weiss, chairman of the department of biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University. "Hopefully this will take the discussion about sexual preferences out of the realm of morality and put it in the realm of science."

Hmm...I "feel threatened" by academic pinheads. Hopefully, this study will take the discussion about beating the living crap out of people you don't like out of the realm of morality and put it in the realm of 'science.'

Any bets on whether God would take that on Judgement Day?