"Is sexual orientation determined at birth?"
| Take one minute to read the information below, and we estimate that you'll know a lot more than most Americans about this topic. |
| Why This Topic? | |
| Whether sexual orientation is a trait with which we are born (nature) or is caused by the environment in which we are raised (nurture) has been hotly debated by scientists, religious leaders, elected officials, and the general public. Many who believe that homosexuality is a personality disorder and a choice do not feel that those individuals are entitled to things such as marriage and adoption rights, discrimination and hate crime protection, and social and religious acceptance. Others claim that homosexuality is an inborn biological characteristic that is unchangeable and to deny those individuals civil or other rights is similar to discriminating based on race or gender. Given the public policy implications, we feel that an exploration of this “born gay” debate in our pro-con format is worthwhile. | |
| PRO Born Gay | CON Born Gay |
| PRO: Proponents feel that sexual orientation is determined naturally by genes and/or hormones, and that an individual's sexual orientation is established prior to birth. Some scientists believe these genes and hormones are then further triggered after birth to solidify sexual orientation. Many people believe that homosexuality is something people are born with, that it cannot be changed, and that these individuals are entitled to the same legal rights and protections as any other person, such as marriage and protection from discrimination. | CON: Opponents believe that homosexuality develops in a person because of their life experiences. Some of these experiences include poor child-parent relationships, being a victim of sexual abuse, or other developmental causes. They argue that legal rights should not be extended to homosexuals because they have chosen this lifestyle (either knowingly or unknowingly). Many people suggest that homosexuality is an undesirable characteristic that should be reversed through therapy and/or prayer. |
| For more information on this topic, return to the Born Gay ProCon.org homepage. |