I believe there is some evidence of genetic factors partially determining sexuality. I also read (in a quality newspaper) that the testosterone and oestrogen levels in the mother during pregnancy can affect sexuality. There was evidence that suggested the more older brothers a boy had the more likely he was to be homosexual, this was linked to changes in testosterone and oestrogen levels. I can’t remember which of the two hormones levels it was nor whether it was an increase or decrease, but I think the effect was not observed with girls. However, most things, especially to do with personality are hugely affected by the environment, so as far as I understand it, sexuality is a combination of genetics and environment. I must say I’m no expert and am only going on what I have read (in good quality publications, not “The Sun”
).
DaBeeeenster, you asked, “I'm curious as to why on earth people seem to make a constant reference between homosexuality and sexual practise.” I think it’s because we are dealing with sexual preferences so it’s hardly unrelated. Also I suppose most of us are obsessed with sex
. I doubt I would feel the need to bring it up myself. Just saying that it’s not that strange that it comes up IMO.
I don’t see why homosexual couples should not be allowed to adopt. So long as they are fit parents and pass all the tests like everyone who wants to adopt I can’t see a problem. You wouldn’t stop a coloured person from adopting a white child because they might bring them up in a black way. There are so many children out there who need loving homes, so why not allow these children happiness. I don’t accept that a homosexual couple would have only homosexual friends and that their home would be a homosexual environment. By that logic, if a straight couple had only homosexual friends this would also be unacceptable. Even if you do believe the homosexual environment to be bad for children (I don’t BTW), surely it is worse for them to grow up without a loving home and (adopted) parents.
On the religion front and a church marriage. If homosexual marriage is banned under the “laws” of a religion then I suppose they have the right to practice their religion in their way, organised religion is full of hypocrisies. I think that organised religion can often breed hatred and bigotry, this is just another example, anyway that is another discussion. As for legal marriage, I have no problem with that. Am I right in thinking that homosexual couples were actually given more rights than unmarried heterosexual couples in a recent bill? It was to do with cohabiting homosexual couples getting some of the rights (e.g. shared pensions?) of married couples, however the bill excluded heterosexual couples. To me this seems like discrimination. BTW I’m not arguing that heterosexual couple are widely discriminated against. I think I have never been the victim of any discrimination myself as a straight, white, male.