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Gay Worms

Timothy Kincaid

October 25th, 2007

Yet another study has come out which supports the notion that at least some factors playing into the determination of sexual orientation may be genetic. From the Salt Lake Tribune

The researchers isolated the nerve cells responsible for sexual attraction in nematode worms, then “flipped” a genetic switch in the brains of female worms so they became attracted to other females.

Naturally, we aren’t worms (well, most of us) so this does not say too much about the etiology of human sexuality. Nonetheless, it does add the ever-growing pile of evidence that genes play a part.

The research does not provide solid answers about human sexuality - “that’s going to be more complicated than what’s happening with worms,” said White.

But it does lend support to the notion that people are born with a sexual orientation.

“It seems possible that if sexual orientation is genetically wired in worms, it would be in people, too,” biology professor Erik Jorgensen said in a news release.

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quo mark II
October 25th, 2007 | LINK

Since human beings are not worms, this study does not say anything at all about human sexuality. The worms aren’t even divided into two sexes, which makes them a particularly poor model for human sexuality.

Why even consider worms, when we have the more promising example of primate behaviour? Bonobo chimpanzees show a broad range of sexual behaviours, and I don’t see anyone producing studies suggesting that there’s a simple biological basis to that.

Agogong
October 26th, 2007 | LINK

Worms????Worms are not people.Try something else for a change. I absolutely disagree with that notion. Am tempted to say, let those homos who are so bent on convincing us that they are born gay, sacrifice to be samples,you realise that in this world there is no gain without sacrifice!!

Notions like this make people comfortably live with a destructive addiction instead of seeking help to overcome their captivity!
Please support this generation in the fight against self destructive behavior.

Bless.

Mombian » Blog Archive » Lesbian Worms
October 26th, 2007 | LINK

[...] of Utah flipped a certain genetic switch in the brains of female worms, it caused them to be attracted to other female worms, further proof that sexual orientation is [...]

Jason
October 26th, 2007 | LINK

we really do need to abandon this “born gay” theory as it’s not very helpful and potentially destructive.

Nothing hurts something good as much as bad argumentation and flawed reasoning.

If there is a gay gene or set of genes then the religious right, the anti-gay folks will simply search for a way to extract, destroy, turn-off this gene or set of genes. Or, like the ex-gays, will advertise expensive fake procedures that claim to make this genetic change but do nothing at all.

Let us not forget that cancer and diabetes have genetic links as do other diseases and disorders. Simply finding a genetic cause doesn’t end the debate. It’s not the magic trump card people keep thinking it is.

Instead we should focus on the facts:

a)There is nothing wrong with being gay. It does not poison or injure the person or society. It does not cause health problems or an early death. It’s different but not harmful. Gays are just like everyone else: prone to good or bad behavior regardless of what they do between the sheets.

b) Religion, political or social ideology are all choices —they are all also protected by the constitution. Various religious and political or social beliefs have as much potential for harm as any other: it all depends on the person. Being gay is much the same way, if it is a choice, so what? This is a country that protects choices, especially choices that are not popular.

I’m left handed and I don’t know how or why I’m left handed. Nobody else knows for sure either. There are theories, there is evidence, but there are no solid facts. There were all sorts of myths about lefties dying early, being crazy, etc –none of which are true. About 50 years ago people had prejudices against lefties, now nobody cares. It had nothing to do with finding the cause. It had everything to do with busting the myths and speaking the truth.

Ken R
October 26th, 2007 | LINK

Notions like this make people comfortably live with a destructive addiction instead of seeking help to overcome their captivity!

AMEN! We need to bring people out of the captivity of false gospel worship addiction!

Please support this generation in the fight against self destructive behavior.

AMEN Again! I am all for supporting this generation against self-righteous, arrogant, bigoted, and destructive behavior.

Where do I sign up?

Ken R
October 26th, 2007 | LINK

I forgot to comment about the Gay Worms. It will not matter what science finds. Conservative Christianity will always condemn gay people. Sadly, some of what they accept as truth is contrary to the true Gospel IMO.

Ben in Oakland
October 26th, 2007 | LINK

Jason–very good and very cogent. If Iam recalling what i read on these very pages a few weeks ago, Throckmorton, Jones, Yarhouse, and that Baptist minister– et al– have all stated that even if it is ofund that being gay is genetic, it still needs to be eradicated because, i assume, it still bothers them. as I have said repeatedly, this is not about religion, no matter how much religious drag it wears, any more than dADT is about military preparedness or same-sex marriage is about marriage.

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