Born Gay ProCon.org - Is sexual orientation determined at birth?

Born Gay

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Is sexual orientation determined at birth?

Whether sexual orientation is a trait we are born with (nature) or is caused by the environment we are raised in (nurture) has been debated by scientists, religious leaders, elected officials, and the general public.

Proponents argue that sexual orientation, much like handedness or tongue curling, is determined by natural, immutable biological factors such as genes or hormones, and therefore gay people should be entitled to the same legal rights and protections as other human beings.

Opponents argue that homosexuality is a reversible and unfortunate lifestyle choice resulting from poor child-parent relationships, sexual abuse, brainwashing by pro-gay influences, or other developmental causes. Some contend that gay people should be denied marriage, discrimination protection, and social and religious acceptance.

Born Gay ProCon.org is a nonpartisan, nonprofit website that presents facts, studies, and pro and con statements related to the origins of sexual orientation and the "nature vs. nurture” debate.

Pros & Cons by Category

CORE QUESTION

Is sexual orientation determined at birth?

Defining Sexuality

What is the difference between sexual orientation and sexual preference?

How can sexual orientation be categorized?

How does the Kinsey Scale relate to sexual orientation?

What are the differences between transsexuality (sex change), intersexuality and transvestism (cross-dressing)?

Determining Sexual Orientation

What is the prevalence of people with same-sex attraction?

Is there an age by which people realize their sexual orientation?

Is same-sex attraction a passing phase some young people go through?

Causes: Inborn (Nature)

Is there a "gay" gene?

Do studies conducted on homosexuality in twins show a genetic basis of sexual orientation?

Can hormones affect sexual orientation?

Does the fraternal birth order effect demonstrate a biological basis to sexual orientation?

Are there physical differences in the brain structure of heterosexual and homosexual people?

Is there a connection between sexual orientation and handedness?

Is there a connection between sexual orientation and the ratio between second and fourth finger length?

Causes: Psychological (Nurture)

Is homosexuality a mental disorder?

Is homosexuality a developmental disorder?

Is gender nonconforming behavior in children indicative of adult homosexual orientation?

Can a child's relationship with his or her parents cause homosexuality?

Are children who are raised by gay parents more likely to be gay themselves?

Can childhood sexual abuse cause homosexuality?

Are proportionally more incidents of child sexual abuse perpetrated by gays and lesbians than by heterosexuals?

Changing Sexual Orientation

What are "ex-gays" and the "ex-gay" ministries?

Can sexual orientation be successfully changed?

What is "reparative" or "conversion" therapy?

Does conversion therapy help people change their sexual orientation?

Is therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation unethical?

Religious Considerations

Does Buddhism accept same-sex behavior?

Does Christianity accept same-sex behavior?

Does Hinduism accept same-sex behavior?

Does Islam accept same-sex behavior?

Does Judaism accept same-sex behavior?

Homosexuality in Animals

What are some examples of same-sex behavior in animals?

Is it relevant to look at the animal kingdom to determine if human same-sex behavior is "natural"?

Gay Germ Theory

Could a germ cause homosexuality?

Discrimination

Should federal law protect people from job discrimination based on their sexual orientation?

Should hate crime legislation include sexual orientation?

Homophobia

What causes homophobia?

Is homophobia a diagnosable psychological condition?

Gay-Straight Alliances

What are "gay-straight alliances" and should they be allowed in public schools?

Health Concerns

Does homosexual behavior present more of a health risk than does heterosexual behavior?

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ProCon.org Notices (archived after 30 days)

6/13/2013 – Critical Thinking Explained – What is critical thinking, and why is it so important? This episode of ProCon.org's Critical Thinking Video Series explores the ways critical thinking cuts through confusion, encourages citizen involvement, and leads to a stronger democracy.

6/7/2013 – New study shows students who discuss/debate controversial issues get higher NAEP test scores – See this and other studies showing the importance of teaching controversial issues to stimulate critical thinking, education, and informed citizenship.

Archived Notices (archived after 30 days)

Last updated on 6/13/2013 2:31:23 PM PST

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