DOCSLIB.ORG

Homosexuality: Innate and Immutable?

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Homosexuality: Innate and Immutable? HOMOSEXUALITY: INNATE AND IMMUTABLE? A. Dean Byrd & Stony Olsen* I. INTRODUCTION This article focuses on the question of whether homosexuality is medically or psychologically harmful. Can a homosexual be "cured?" Is homosexuality an immutable, biological characteristic, or is it the product of one's environment? The answers to these questions foster some of the hottest raging debates in society and politics today. Answers to these questions have many implications for policy makers and touch the very foundations of society and morality in America. There is an inordinate amount of conflict and politicization surrounding the topic. Controversies range from what to teach our children (recall the debate over whether the Boy Scouts of America should be allowed to bar homosexual scoutmasters) to questions about marriage and the nature of the family in general. It is useful to define "homosexuality." Homosexual behavior refers to overt sexual activities between two partners of the same gender. Homosexual orientation refers to overall sexual responsiveness of someone to members of his or her same gender. Homosexual identity refers to the labeling of oneself as gay or lesbian. This article examines the status of science in answering the question of whether being homosexually oriented is a choice, or whether the T-shirt thanking mom for the "gay gene" is accurate. Attention is given next to the controversial slogan that gay activists loudly proclaim: "Once a homosexual, always a homosexual." In contrast, can homosexuality be "cured" as some professionals and ministries claim? Is it possible that homosexual attraction can diminish and heterosexual attraction emerge? Then this article discusses how homosexuality has in the very short span of * Professor A. Dean Byrd is a clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Utah School of Medicine, and an adjunct clinical professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Studies, also at the University of Utah. He is the President of the Thrasher Research Fund, as well as the Vice President of NARTH, the National Association for the Research and Therapy of Homosexuality, an organization of over 1500 psychologists and psychotherapists. He holds a doctoral degree in psychology from Brigham Young University, and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He also holds two post-doctoral degrees from the Virginia Commonwealth University and Loyola University. He has his own private practice in clinical psychology. Stony Olsen is a recent graduate of the J. Reuben Clark School of Law at Brigham Young University. There he was a Lead Article editor for the Brigham Young University Journalof Public Law, as well as a Reference Assistant for the Howard W. Hunter Law Library. Special thanks is given to Mr. Olsen for his research assistance. HeinOnline -- 14 Regent U. L. Rev. 383 2001-2002 REGENT UNIVERSITY LAW REVIEW [Vol. 14:383 about twenty-five years evolved from an outcast practice to one that is promoted by some to constitute normality. Finally, the consequences of homosexuality are addressed, through examination of various statistics and their implications. Since almost all available data is on homosexual men, this article focuses on homosexual men and excludes lesbians for the most part. There is not enough data on lesbianism to make a worthwhile review at the moment, although the same conclusions will most likely apply. This article differentiates between: 1) homosexual men who have homosexual attraction and may or may not engage in homosexual behavior; and 2) gays who assume a social, political identity and tend to be political activists. They are two separate groups. II. THE BIOLOGY OF HOMOSEXUALITY: THE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE EXAMINED One of the most fundamental questions to ask in any discussion of homosexuality, or indeed, any behavior, is what causes the behavior. Here, not surprisingly, gay rights activists and their opponents have great disagreements. The basic question is whether homosexuality is "in the genes" or not. Alternatively, is a homosexual a product of his environment? Or, is homosexuality a conscious choice that a person makes, with no other factors other than falling prey to temptation? Is the cause a combination of factors? Is a homosexual person homosexual because of a combination of innate characteristics deriving from his or her genes which interact with environmental factors? Evan S. Balaban, one of the most influential neurobiologists in the United States, noted that the search for the biology of complex human traits has had a relatively low success rate.1 Recently, Balaban stated that while genes linked to alcoholism, mental illness, and homosexuality supposedly have been "discovered," none of the claims have 2 been confirmed. Gay activists trumpet that homosexuality is in the genes, and the media has focused great attention on these claims. The activists point to three main studies that "prove," they say, that a man is born homosexual, and has no choice in the matter, so therefore should not change. These studies are that of Simon LeVay, 3 Dean H. Hamer,4 and J.M. Bailey and R.C. Pillard.5 Although there are other studies, these are the ones primarily responsible for the popular and politicized impression that being 1 John Horgan, Gay Genes, Revisited, SCI. AM., Nov. 1995, at 26. 2 Id. at 26. 3 Simon LeVay, A Difference in Hypothalamic Structure Between Heterosexual and Homosexual Men, 253 SCIENCE 1034 (1991). 4 Dean H. Hamer et al., A Linkage Between DNA Markers on the X Chromosome and Male Sexual Orientation,261 SCIENCE 321 (1993). 5 J. Michael Bailey & Richard C. Pillard, A Genetic Study of Male Sexual Orientation, 48 ARCHIVES GEN. PSYCHIATRY 1089 (1991). HeinOnline -- 14 Regent U. L. Rev. 384 2001-2002 2002] INNATE AND IMMUTABLE? homosexual is something that cannot be helped, since being homosexual means "you were born that way." In addition, one other related theory frequently advanced is that of prenatal hormonal irregularities which cause some people to be born with a homosexual orientation. A Simon LeVay: Homosexuality and the Brain The LeVay study, conducted by Simon LeVay of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies located in San Diego, reported that he had found "subtle but significant differences" between the brains of homosexual men and heterosexual men.6 This, of course, led to the immediate, supposedly apparent, conclusion that homosexual men have something different about their brains that makes them homosexual. Unfortunately, this study was significantly flawed. LeVay performed a study on the brains of two groups 7 of men: (1) homosexuals, and (2) men LeVay presumed were heterosexual. LeVay studied the area of the brain known as the hypothalamus, focusing on a cluster of cells called the INAH-3.8 Studies have found that, consistent with the general proposition that men's brains are generally larger than women's brains, 9 this cluster of cells in the hypothalamus is also larger in men than in women. 10 LeVay found in his study that in homosexual men, this cluster of cells was smaller than in heterosexual men. 1 There are several things inherently wrong with LeVay's study. He had a small sample size, just sixteen allegedly heterosexual men and nineteen homosexual men. 12 Since the men's brains were examined post-mortem, it is not possible to confirm the heterosexuality of the heterosexual group or anything about their sexual lifestyles.13 LeVay himself enumerates some of the difficulties with his research in his book Queer Science: But it is important to stress several limitations of the study. First, the observations were made on adults who had already been sexually active for a number of years. To make a really compelling case, one would have to show that these neuroanatomical differences existed early in life preferably at birth. Without such data, there is always at least the theoretical possibility that the structural differences are actually the result of differences in sexual behavior perhaps on the "use it or lose it" principle. Furthermore, even if the differences in the hypothalamus arise 6 Horgan, supra note 1, at 26. 7 Id. 8 Id. 9 William Byne, Science andBelief" Psychobiological Research on Sexual Orientation,28 J. HOMOSEXUALITY 303, 327 (1995). 10 Id. 11 Horgan, supra note 1. 12 William Byne & Bruce Parsons, Human Sexual Orientation:The BiologicalTheories Reappraised,50 ARCHIVES GEN. PSYCHIATRY 228, 235 (1993). 13 Id. HeinOnline -- 14 Regent U. L. Rev. 385 2001-2002 REGENT UNIVERSITY LAW REVIEW [Vol. 14:383 before birth, they might still come about from a variety of causes, including genetic differences, differences in stress exposure, and many others. It is possible that the development of INAH3 (and perhaps other brain regions) represents a "final common path" in the determination of sexual orientation, a path to which innumerable prior factors may contribute. Another limitation arises because most of the gay men whose brains I studied died of complications of AIDS. Although I am confident that the small size of INAH3 in these men was not an effect of the disease, there is always the possibility that gay men who died of AIDS are not representative of the entire population of gay men. For example, they might have a stronger preference for receptive anal intercourse, the major risk factor for acquiring HIV infection. Thus, if one wished, one could make the argument that structural differences in INAH3 relate more to actual behavioral patterns of copulation than to sexual orientation as such. It will not be possible to settle this issue definitively until some method becomes available to measure the size of INAH3 in living people who can be interviewed in detail about their sexuality. 14 LeVay wisely made a cautionary statement about the possibility that the differences in the INAH-3 area are caused by behavior and not genes. An experiment by Marc Breedlove, a professor of neuroscience at the University of California at Berkeley, tested neurological changes in the brains of male rats as they engaged in copulatory behavior.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Southwestern Journal of Theology 59.1
    CONCERNING HUMANITY Southwestern Journal of Theology EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Paige Patterson, President and Professor of Theology MANAGING EDITOR W. Madison Grace II, Assistant Professor of Baptist History and Theology and Director of the Oxford Study Program BOOK REVIEW EDITOR Joshua E. Williams, Associate Professor of Old Testament EDITORIAL BOARD Keith E. Eitel, Professor of Missions and World Christianity, Dean of the Roy Fish School of Evangelism and Missions, and Director of the World Missions Center Mark A. Howell, Senior Pastor, Hunters Glen Baptist Church, Plano, Texas Evan Lenow, Associate Professor of Ethics, Bobby L., Janis Eklund Chair of Stewardship, and Director of the Richard Land Center for Cultural Engagement Miles S. Mullin II, Vice President for Academic Administration and Professor of Religious History, Hannibal-LaGrange University Steven W. Smith, Vice President of Student Services and Professor of Communication Jerry Vines, Jerry Vines Ministries Malcolm B. Yarnell III, Research Professor of Systematic Theology EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cole L. Peck The Southwestern Journal of Theology is indexed in the ATLA Religion Database, the Southern Baptist Periodical Index, and the Christian Periodical Index. Southwestern Journal of Theology invites English-language submissions of original research in biblical studies, historical theology, systematic theology, ethics, philosophy of religion, homiletics, pastoral ministry, evangelism, missiology, and related fields. Articles submitted for consideration should be neither published nor under review for publication elsewhere. The recommended length of articles is between 4000 and 8000 words. For information on editorial and stylistic requirements, please contact the journal’s Editorial Assistant at journal@ swbts.edu. Articles should be sent to the Managing Editor, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, P.O.
    [Show full text]
  • COMMUNICATING FINDINGS from SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH on SEXUAL ORIENTATION to the COURTS Gregory M
    SETTING THE RECORD “STRAIGHT”: COMMUNICATING FINDINGS FROM SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION TO THE COURTS Gregory M. Herek, Ph.D. [To appear in: Hammack, P. (Ed.). The Oxford Handbook of Social Psychology and Social Justice. Oxford University Press, 2018.] This chapter describes some of the ways in which social science knowledge about sexual orientation and sexual stigma has been applied to social justice issues through federal and state courts. The author draws examples from his own experiences as an expert witness in cases such as Perry v. Schwarzenegger, the landmark 2010 federal case that ultimately overturned Proposition 8, California’s voter-enacted constitutional ban on marriage for same-sex couples. The chapter also provides some general background information on what being an expert witness in cases such as Perry entails. Suggestions are offered for social scientists who wish to communicate empirical research findings to the courts, legislators, and policymakers. ______________________________________ The behavioral and social sciences have a long history of trying to foster informed decision making and promote social justice by contributing to policy and legal debates. For example, when the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) was founded in 1936 as a division of the American Psychological Association (APA), part of its stated mission was “to Preprintencourage research upon those psychological problems most vitally related to modern social, economic and political policies…. [and] to help the public and its representatives to understand and to use in the formation of social policies, contributions from the scientific investigation of human behavior (Krech & Cartwright, 1956, p. 471; see also Kimmel, 1997).
    [Show full text]
  • No Promo Homo: the Sedimentation of Antigay Discourse and the Channeling Effect of Judicial Review
    NO PROMO HOMO: THE SEDIMENTATION OF ANTIGAY DISCOURSE AND THE CHANNELING EFFECT OF JUDICIAL REVIEW WILLIAM N. ESKRIDGE, JR.* Arguments againstequal rights for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered people have shifted from, "Those are bad people who do sinful, sick acts," to "A progay reform would promote homosexuality." Professor Eskridge's article presents a history of this rhetoricalshif, tying it to die rise of a politics of preserva- don by traditionalists seeking to counter gay people's politics of recognition. Eskridge also shows how modem antigay discourse has become sedimented, as ar- guments are layered on top of (but never displace)each other. Evaluatingthe vari- ous forms no promo homo arguments can take, he maintainsthat 11e most obvious versions are not plausible, and that the most plausible are not constitutionaL 77Tis archaeologyof no promo homo discoursehas interestingramifications for constitu- tional theory and doctrine. Among then, as Eskridge condudes, is the way in which the channeling function of law not only changes group rhetoric, but also group identity, and helps the state "manage" polarizingculture clashes. Introduction .................................................... 1328 I. No Promo Homo and Status: The Politics of Protection, Recognition, and Preservation .......................... 1333 II. The Origins of No Promo Homo Discourse: Sedimentary Justifications for Preserving an Antigay Status Quo .............................................. 1338 A. Sedimented Justifications for Sodomy Laws: The Failure of Modernized Discourse ................... 1339 B. Same-Sex Marriage Bars and the Creation of New Forms of State Recognition ......................... 1346 C. Antidiscrimination Rules and Antigay Populism .... 1350 Il. Privatized No Promo Homo Arguments ................ 1354 IV. Newer Public No Promo Homo Policies ................ 1356 * John A. Garver Professor of Jurisprudence, Yale Law School.
    [Show full text]
  • Redeeming the Rainbow: a Christian Response to The
    The below resource is provided courtesy of Defend the Family International, a service of Abiding Truth Ministries PO Box 2373 Springfield MA 01101 REDEEMING THE RAINBOW A Christian Response to the “Gay” Agenda By Dr. Scott Lively A comprehensive but easy-to-understand textbook for Christians and other defenders of God’s design for family and society which explains in detail 1) the nature, causes and characteristics of homosexual dysfunction and militancy, 2) the history, philosophy, goals, methods and strategies of the global “gay” movement, 3) the urgent, escalating and imminent danger this movement represents to all aspects of Christian civilization throughout the world, and 4) specific, practical principles for responding to each of the many areas of “gay” aggression -- all firmly grounded in and supported by both Scripture and non-religious logical analysis, documentation and terminology. Copyright 2009 by Scott Douglas Lively and Abiding Truth Ministries. All Rights Reserved. This book may be freely copied and distributed in electronic and printed form without restriction except that it may not be offered for sale. Copies of this book may be downloaded from www.defendthefamily.com. Published by Veritas Aeterna Press, PO Box 2373, Springfield MA 01101. As the culmination of twenty years of study and practical experience by one of the world’s lead- ing pro-family activists, this manuscript is uniquely valuable. However, the author, acutely aware of the increasing urgent nature of the subject, intends that this book have the widest possible circulation in the shortest period of time, and he has therefore decided to forgo the pursuit of financial compensation in order to remove all constraints to its immediate, broad distribution.
    [Show full text]
  • Cultural and Medical Myths About Homosexuality
    TMSJ 19/2 (Fall 2008) 175-202 CULTURAL AND MEDICAL MYTHS ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY Michael A. Grisanti Professor of Old Testament Three questions need to be answered regarding cultural and medical myths about homosexuality: (1) Is there a “gay gene”? In giving a positive answer, some sources cite two categories, nature and nurture. Behavioral genetics have sought and allegedly found a source for homosexuality, but many scientists have strong questions about behavioral genetics. Various studies have failed to prove conclusively that a “gay gene” exists. (2) Is it possible for a person to change sexual orientation from being homosexual to heterosexual? The current consensus in the mental health profession is that attempts to convert a homosexual to a heterosexual are too likely to be harmful. A possibility of change has been demonstrated, but worldwide consensus continues to view such a change as impossible because of biological and psychiatric factors. Studies by Spitzer and Jones/Yarhouse have identified examples of change without harm to individuals involved. (3) How have homosexual activists impacted modern culture throughout the world? Various pieces of legislation, both national and international, have put at risk anyone who dares to oppose homosexual- ity. Even some ecclesiastical leaders have softened their tone in speaking against this sexual deviation. * * * * * I must admit that earlier in 2008 I approached my Faculty Lecture as I approached writing this article, with a bit of fear and trepidation. I can identify with the prophet Amos when he affirmed, “I was neither a prophet nor a prophet’s son” (Amos 7:14). I am not a geneticist or the son of a geneticist.
    [Show full text]
  • Sexual Orientation" Threatens Religious Liberty
    Liberty University Law Review Volume 4 Issue 3 Article 5 October 2015 How the Concept of "Sexual Orientation" Threatens Religious Liberty Robert H. Knight Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/lu_law_review Recommended Citation Knight, Robert H. (2015) "How the Concept of "Sexual Orientation" Threatens Religious Liberty," Liberty University Law Review: Vol. 4 : Iss. 3 , Article 5. Available at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/lu_law_review/vol4/iss3/5 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Liberty University School of Law at Scholars Crossing. It has been accepted for inclusion in Liberty University Law Review by an authorized editor of Scholars Crossing. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ARTICLE HOW THE CONCEPT OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION THREATENS RELIGIOUS LIBERTY Robert H. Knight I. INTRODUCTION Sexual orientation laws are not about the preservation of civil rights or even the creation of civil protections that are necessary to ensure the liberty of all citizens. Instead, they are about hijacking civil rights in order to empower homosexual groups with the ability to threaten lawsuits against any institution that will not go along with the idea that homosexuality is normal, healthy, and should be promoted. It is important to understand that people who engage in homosexual behavior have the same basic rights as other citizens, no more, no less. But they should not be given additional rights based on their willingness to perform peculiarand often medically dangeroussex acts. Like other terms that swiftly achieve common usage, sexual orientation is rarely examined. Yet sexual orientation is more than a neutral term that can be used to describe anyones sexual inclinations.
    [Show full text]
  • Social Movements and Hierarchies of Evidence in Sexual Reorientation Therapy Debates
    UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO Drawing the Straight Line: Social Movements and Hierarchies of Evidence in Sexual Reorientation Therapy Debates A dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology (Science Studies) by Thomas John Waidzunas Committee in Charge: Mary Blair-Loy, Chair Steven Epstein, Co-Chair Lisa Cartwright Andrew Lakoff David Serlin 2010 Copyright Thomas John Waidzunas, 2010 All rights reserved The Dissertation of Thomas John Waidzunas is approved, and it is acceptable in quality and form for publication on microfilm: ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Co-Chair ___________________________________________________________________ Chair University of California, San Diego 2010 iii DEDICATION To all people who have ever struggled with conflict over sexual orientation. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Signature Page……………………………………………………………………………iii Dedication……………………………………………………………………………...…iv Table of Contents………………………………………………………............................v List of Figures……………………………………………………………...…………….vii List of Tables………………………………………………………………...………….viii Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………….....……....ix Vita………………………...…………………...………………………………….....…xiii Abstract…………………………………………………………………...……………..xiv Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..1
    [Show full text]
  • Malignant Self-Love: Narcissism Revisited
    Malignant Self-love Narcissism Revisited 1st EDITION 10th Revised Impression EXCERPTS ONLY PURCHASE THE FULL VERSION HERE: http://www.narcissistic-abuse.com/thebook.html Sam Vaknin The Author is NOT a Mental Health Professional. "Malignant Self-love: Narcissism Revisited" is based on correspondence since 1996 with hundreds of people diagnosed with Narcissistic and Antisocial Personality Disorders (narcissists and psychopaths) and with thousands of family members, friends, therapists, and colleagues. Editing and Design: Lidija Rangelovska Narcissus Publications, Skopje 2015 Warning and Disclaimer The contents of this book are not meant to substitute for professional help and counselling. The readers are discouraged from using it for diagnostic or therapeutic ends. The diagnosis and treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder can only be done by professionals specifically trained and qualified to do so – which the author is not. The author is NOT a mental health professional. © 1999-2015 Copyright Lidija Rangelovska All rights reserved. This book, or any part thereof, may not be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission from: Lidija Rangelovska – write to: [email protected] To get FREE updates of this book JOIN the Narcissism Study List. To JOIN, visit our Web sites: http://www.narcissistic-abuse.com/narclist.html or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/narcissisticabuse Visit the Author's Web site http://www.narcissistic-abuse.com Facebook http://www.facebook.com/samvaknin YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/samvaknin Buy other books and video lectures about pathological narcissism and relationships with abusive narcissists and psychopaths here: http://www.narcissistic-abuse.com/thebook.html ISBN: 9989-929-06-8 Print ISBN: 978-80-238-3384-3 This book is dedicated to Lidija, my wife, my life, and my muse, who made this tome possible and much more besides.
    [Show full text]
  • 570 Broad Street – Suite 1201 Newark, NJ 07102 (973) 623-3000
    HUD-L-005473-12 03/28/2018 3:37:09 PM Pg 1 of 3 Trans ID: LCV2018550878 LITE DEPALMA GREENBERG, LLC Bruce D. Greenberg (N.J. Bar ID 14951982) 570 Broad Street – Suite 1201 Newark, NJ 07102 (973) 623-3000 SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER David C. Dinielli (admitted pro hac vice) Scott D. McCoy (pro hac vice) 400 Washington Ave. Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 956-8200 CLEARY GOTTLIEB STEEN & HAMILTON LLP James L. Bromley (admitted pro hac vice) Lina Bensman (admitted pro hac vice) Thomas S. Kessler (admitted pro hac vice) One Liberty Plaza New York, NY 10006 (212) 225-2000 Attorneys for Plaintiffs Michael Ferguson, Benjamin Unger, Chaim SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY Levin, Jo Bruck, Bella Levin, HUDSON COUNTY, LAW DIVISION Plaintiffs, Docket No. L-5473-12 v. CIVIL ACTION JONAH (Jews Offering New Alternatives for NOTICE OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION Healing f/k/a Jews Offering New Alternatives TO ENFORCE PERMANENT to Homosexuality), Arthur Goldberg, Alan INJUNCTION AND FOR DEFAULT Downing, Alan Downing Life Coaching LLC, JUDGMENT Defendants. To: Michael P. Laffey, Esq. Charles S. LiMandri, Esq. Messina Law Firm P.C. Paul M. Jonna, Esq. 961 Holmdel Road Teresa L. Mendoza, Esq. Holmdel, NJ 07733-2103 Jeffrey M. Trissell, Esq. Freedom of Conscience Defense Fund 16236 San Dieguito Road, Suite 3-15 Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 HUD-L-005473-12 03/28/2018 3:37:09 PM Pg 2 of 3 Trans ID: LCV2018550878 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to R. 1:10-3, Plaintiffs Michael Ferguson, Benjamin Unger, Chaim Levin, and Jo Bruck shall apply to the Honorable Peter F.
    [Show full text]
  • Case Studies of Selected Churches with Effective Ministry to Male Homosexual Strugglers
    CASE STUDIES OF SELECTED CHURCHES WITH EFFECTIVE MINISTRY TO MALE HOMOSEXUAL STRUGGLERS ___________________ A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of the Department of Doctor of Ministry Dallas Theological Seminary ___________________ In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Ministry ___________________ by Jeffrey R. Scott May 2010 Accepted by the Faculty of the Dallas Theological Seminary in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Ministry degree Examining Committee SLLdV-/ ABSTRACT CASE STUDIES OF SELECTED CHURCHES WITH EFFECTIVE MINISTRY TO MALE HOMOSEXUAL STRUGGLERS Jeffrey R. Scott Readers: Linda M. Marten, David A. Crum The dual purpose of this qualitative study was first to evaluate why the ministry of selected churches who are ministering to male homosexual strugglers was effective. What makes these churches safe and welcoming for those seeking to gain victory over same-sex attractions and behaviors? And second, to convince church leaders that our churches need to become the kind of churches that are effective in ministering to male homosexual strugglers. A confidential survey methodology was used in asking both male strugglers and active church members their perspective on their church’s attitudes and actions as it related to ministering to and discipling male strugglers. The participating churches were chosen based upon the entire church body having embraced the ministry to those who were struggling and desiring assistance out of homosexuality or same-sex attraction. The churches
    [Show full text]
  • What Does Science Really Say About Homosexuality?
    What does science really say about homosexuality? In an informal setting, DATE: JEFFREY SATINOVER, M.D., Ph.D., - author of Homosexuality psychiatrist Jeffrey Satinover You are invited to meet Dr Satinover on and the Politics of Truth, is an American psychiatrist, examines what is reported in Friday 19th and/or Saturday 20th June psychoanalyst, and physicist. the popular press and shows 2009 (from 10.00am to 13.00 pm) Distinguished Professor of that much of the research is Refreshments and a light lunch will be Science and Mathematics provided. at Kings College in New York, flawed, none of it says that he is a former Fellow in Psychiatry and Child homosexuality is genetic and Psychiatry at Yale University and past William The opportunity provides space for most of it points to the fact that and James Lecturer in Psychology and church leaders, pastors, psychiatrists, Religion at Harvard. Jeffrey holds degrees homosexuality is changeable. psychotherapists, counsellors, Christian Union from M.I.T., Harvard University , Yale University, leaders and church lay-persons to raise issues the University of Texas and the University and discuss questions around this important of Nice. He is well-known for books on a Dr Satinover’s insight draws on modern number of controversial topics in physics and issue. The event will be useful for those who neuroscience, and on religion, but especially science and psychological understanding seek change, and for the friends and family for his writing and public-policy efforts relating of habit, compulsion and addiction. who support them. to homosexuality, same-sex marriage and the Homosexuality, he notes, is “but one of the ex-gay movement.
    [Show full text]
  • No Promo Homo: the Sedimentation of Antigay Discourse and the Channeling Effect of Judicial Review
    NO PROMO HOMO: THE SEDIMENTATION OF ANTIGAY DISCOURSE AND THE CHANNELING EFFECT OF JUDICIAL REVIEW WILLIAM N. ESKRIDGE, JR.* Arguments againstequal rights for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered people have shifted from, "Those are bad people who do sinful, sick acts," to "A progay reform would promote homosexuality." Professor Eskridge's article presents a history of this rhetoricalshif, tying it to die rise of a politics of preserva- don by traditionalists seeking to counter gay people's politics of recognition. Eskridge also shows how modem antigay discourse has become sedimented, as ar- guments are layered on top of (but never displace)each other. Evaluatingthe vari- ous forms no promo homo arguments can take, he maintainsthat 11e most obvious versions are not plausible, and that the most plausible are not constitutionaL 77Tis archaeologyof no promo homo discoursehas interestingramifications for constitu- tional theory and doctrine. Among then, as Eskridge condudes, is the way in which the channeling function of law not only changes group rhetoric, but also group identity, and helps the state "manage" polarizingculture clashes. Introduction .................................................... 1328 I. No Promo Homo and Status: The Politics of Protection, Recognition, and Preservation .......................... 1333 II. The Origins of No Promo Homo Discourse: Sedimentary Justifications for Preserving an Antigay Status Quo .............................................. 1338 A. Sedimented Justifications for Sodomy Laws: The Failure of Modernized Discourse ................... 1339 B. Same-Sex Marriage Bars and the Creation of New Forms of State Recognition ......................... 1346 C. Antidiscrimination Rules and Antigay Populism .... 1350 Il. Privatized No Promo Homo Arguments ................ 1354 IV. Newer Public No Promo Homo Policies ................ 1356 * John A. Garver Professor of Jurisprudence, Yale Law School.
    [Show full text]