Womb environment 'makes men gay' (homosexuality, choice, sexuality, anti-gay)

[jamaesi]

A man's sexual orientation may be determined by conditions in the womb, according to a study.
Previous research had revealed the more older brothers a boy has, the more likely he is to be gay, but the reason for this phenomenon was unknown.
But a Canadian study has shown that the effect is most likely due to biological rather than social factors.
The research is published in the journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Professor Anthony Bogaert from Brock University in Ontario, Canada, studied 944 heterosexual and homosexual men with either "biological" brothers, in this case those who share the same mother, or "non-biological" brothers, that is, adopted, step or half siblings.
He found the link between the number of older brothers and homosexuality only existed when the siblings shared the same mother.
The amount of time the individual spent being raised with older brothers did not affect their sexual orientation.
'Maternal memory'
Writing in the journal, Professor Bogaert said: "If rearing or social factors associated with older male siblings underlies the fraternal birth-order effect [the link between the number of older brothers and male homosexuality], then the number of non-biological older brothers should predict men's sexual orientation, but they do not.
"These results support a prenatal origin to sexual orientation development in men."
He suggests the effect is probably the result of a "maternal memory" in the womb for male births.
A woman's body may see a male foetus as "foreign", he says, prompting an immune reaction which may grow progressively stronger with each male child.
The antibodies created may affect the developing male brain.
In an accompanying article, scientists from Michigan State University said: "These data strengthen the notion that the common denominator between biological brothers, the mother, provides a prenatal environment that fosters homosexuality in her younger sons."
"But the question of mechanism remains."
Andy Forrest, a spokesman for gay rights group Stonewall, commenting on this and other studies, said: "Increasingly, credible evidence appears to indicate that being gay is genetically determined rather than being a so-called lifestyle choice.


"It adds further weight to the argument that lesbian and gay people should be treated equally in society and not discriminated against for something that's just as inherent as skin colour."

BBC Source.

[mr.guy]

"It adds further weight to the argument that lesbian and gay people should be treated equally...

Actually, the study in no way addressed lesbians. Thus, we can still rag on them.

[Purple Thyme]

Bad Mr. Guy. BAD BAD


I believe that being homosexual is something someone is born with and not a life choice but the study seems a little silly.

[Mystic-als]

I dissagree. But in a small way.

I believe that being homosexual is something someone is born with and not a life choice but the study seems a little silly.

I think it should be "born as" and not "born with".
It's not a disease.I know it's a seemingly stupid comment. But just to be clear.

[Purple Thyme]

Sorry for the grammar mistake. I would never consider being gay a disease, never.

[Green Gaia]

Does it really matter how or why someone is gay when it comes to the issue of how to treat others? Are we somehow more of a person if it can be proven that non-heterosexuality is inherent in some people?

Studies and theories such as these make me a little nervous and let me tell you why. Let's say it is found conclusively and without a doubt that biological factors in the womb cause a person to be gay. To what lengths do you think those opposed to homosexuality will go to prevent those conditions from occuring to prevent non-heterosexual persons from being born at all? It's frightening to contemplate.

That said, I am glad that these studies are being done. Perhaps one day we will know why some people are not heterosexual. But until then I'm not losing any sleep over not knowing exactly why.

[Mystic-als]

Agreed. Maize. I think that it is because people are trying to justify them selves. Either as part of the "anti-gay" or "pro-gay" sides. But like you said. It is sad that we are even having this debate. People should have the right to do what and who they want. Obviously with mutual consent and all those good things.

[michel]

Thanks, jamaesi

[Buttercup]

Originally Posted by Maize

Does it really matter how or why someone is gay when it comes to the issue of how to treat others? Are we somehow more of a person if it can be proven that non-heterosexuality is inherent in some people?

Studies and theories such as these make me a little nervous and let me tell you why. Let's say it is found conclusively and without a doubt that biological factors in the womb cause a person to be gay. To what lengths do you think those opposed to homosexuality will go to prevent those conditions from occuring to prevent non-heterosexual persons from being born at all? It's frightening to contemplate.

That said, I am glad that these studies are being done. Perhaps one day we will know why some people are not heterosexual. But until then I'm not losing any sleep over not knowing exactly why.

I agree with these statements and while the world would love to have the "why" and "hows" of being gay all neatly figured out....I find studies and tests disrepectful really.