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.
True, but despite the premise of the study, we all have a choice of our behavior.
Mental illnes, birth defect, or a choice...
They (homosexuals and their apologists) just cannot, under any circumstances, pick one story and stick with it... this is how you spot the liars...
Anyonne who lives in this world, knows a few gay people, and cannot recognize the rather obvious, distinctive differences in their physical and emotional construct is simply not paying attention.
It's one of life's mysteries... The Bible condemns homosexuality, yet.... God allows people to be born gay.
Personally, I believe everyone is born with varying degrees of "gayness".. just as we all have varying inclinations toward other "depravities". None of us are forced to succumb to these physical desires, but.. to deny they are biological driven is, in my opnion, ignorant.
I just sent this (slightly altered) news to a good friend who likes goats as pets.
The Sunday Times
December 31, 2006
Science told: hands off gay goats
Isabel Oakeshott and Chris Gourlay
Experiments that claim to ‘cure’ homosexual billy goats spark anger
SCIENTISTS are conducting experiments to change the sexuality of “gay” goats 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 billy goats so that they are more inclined to mate with female farm hands.
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 goats 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, and would deprive them of their favorite goats. Muslim men are in shock!
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 billy goat in 10 prefers to mount other billy goats rather than mate with Muslims, reducing its value to a goat-herder. 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” billy goats 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 billy goats’ sexuality, with some previously gay animals becoming attracted to farmers' daughters.
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, and Muslim men don't want to lose their favorite sex partners.
“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.
I would be, too, if it would mean aborting potentially gay, (or potentially straight) babies.
Wouldn't that be throwing out the baby with the ba-a-a-a-a-a-ath water?
or a hormonal treatment to change the orientation of a child.
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Great care is needed here and caution. It took me years to find my hairdresser. I simply can not go through that again.
What more proof is needed that my user name tells the truth!
Almost certainly, that could be done using the same basic tinkering of hormones they described.
The gay lobby knows that many gays, perhaps even most of them, would gladly pay thousands for a cure. With a cure, they will lose both political allies and sexual partners.
I agree. I think gays contribute to a species in a hive-like fashion - but as individuals, nature does not want them to reproduce. The phrase "Oh damn, he's gay" has never been spoken in honesty.
Don't ask me about lesbians. Nobody can figure them out!
Any possible way they can also study what makes someone a back stabbing liberal? Is there a patch for that?
Know what the diference is between the Rolling Stones and a Scotsman?
The Rolling Stones say "Hey! You! Get off of my cloud!"
A Scotsman says "Hey! McCleod! Get off of my ewe!"
I'm working on it. The problem is, every time I watch a new documentary, I completely lose interest after about 10 minutes.
Ha ha. I am rather "sheepish" about reading this.
FEINDISH!!!!!
This is too funny!
"No wonder they're (gays) worried!"
What worries them even more is that a lot of men inclined to this behavior will seek the treatment for themselves so that they can be hetrosexual, dramatically decreasing the number of gays. And these "gay activists" will have to get real jobs.
I love it!!!
Yep, it fits the agenda.
26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy."
"I don't know anything about that," he [Seigert] said. "I'm from a city. I don't know anything about sheep."
That has to rank right up there with classic line, "Honest, sheriff, I was just helping that sheep over the fence.":)
Now, that argument can be turned around: Why wouldn't you choose a normal orientation for your child if you could??
But... I agree with the comment above... in a "gay-less" society, it's going to be tough to find a good hair-dresser, or purchase a well-fitted suit. And, our church choir will be short of tenors, too! :-O
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