And It Happened In - of all places - Tennessee!!
"KNOXVILLE -- Epigenetics -- how gene expression is regulated
by temporary switches, called epi-marks -- appears to be a critical and
overlooked factor contributing to the long-standing puzzle of why homosexuality
occurs.
According to the study, published online today in The Quarterly Review of
Biology, sex-specific epi-marks, which normally do not pass between generations
and are thus "erased," can lead to homosexuality when they escape
erasure and are transmitted from father to daughter or mother to son."
He may not know it, but Professor Sergey Gavrilets of the University of
Tennessee is now officially demon spawn. His study suggests a theory that
regulation of certain genes (e.g. testosterone) can determine homosexuality.
Such a theory (in Tennessee, no less) will cause mass hysteria among members of
the state's Christian Right upper eschelons and produce reactions the likes of
which have not been seen since Galileo was imprisoned for his theory of the
earth revolving around the sun.
While some hate groups (Council of
Conservative Citizens) are quick to posit that the study says there is no
such thing as a "gay gene" (it actually does not) and still imply
that "environment" has much to do with sexual orientation (the study,
however, actually talks about biological environment), other groups are simply
taking the tack that the study is "just a theory" (like evolution) or
that Gavrilets is just a scientifically political pawn dependent upon
government grants.
Reactions so far:
- ....this article is
propaganda.....do you see what this does? If homosexuality is genetic,
then those who oppose same sex marriage are cavemen and the Bible is a
fable.....
- By the way, homosexuality may
be "common" in nature; so are ritual killing, cannibalism,
torture and indiscriminate sexual behavior. Should we emulate those too?
- BOTTOM LINE - JUST BECAUSE
THEY FOUND A CONDITION NAME FOR YOU DOES NOT JUSTIFY YOU DEMANDING THE
WORLD EMBRACE YOU. ASK TO GET YOUR CONDITION FIXED...period!
- A worthless waste of money, a
worthless study, more worthless "science" signifying nothing.
- Stunning coincidence that
this "scientific breakthrough" is reported the same week that
the SCOTUS decides to take p same-sex marriage, don't you think?
- Studies like this will be the
death of all credibility for "science." This is pure politics
and social engineering. Nothing scientific about it.
Possibly the worst result of acceptance of the study: "get
yourself 'FIXED'!" It may embrace science only to the point of being a
possible repairman. In any event, the CR may reason that NOT going through
newfangled medical or "scientific" cures is a"choice" and
therefore still against God's will. Acceptance and happiness at what you are
will not enter into the picture.
"A Choice" Is Out The Window
The strategy of the Christian Right may come in the form of total denial of the
new study: as comments have it, the study smacks of "pure politics",
especially coming before the Supreme Court decisions. But denial can only last
so long, especially if the scientific community weighs in favorably to
Gavrilets' study.*
The study's greatest blow to the Christian Right is that it's meme of
"homosexuality is a choice" has little bearing in the culture war
debate: any biological link** precludes/trumps "choice". How the
Christian Right will continue to blare out its meme despite the study remains
to be seen and will certainly be entertaining.
Re-defining "Abnormal"
If the Christian Right loses the current "born this way vs choice"
battle, rest assured that it will re-focus on "abnormal" and how
prayer, reparative therapy or abstinence will stem the "abnormal"
proclivities and, in a sense, need to redefine the term, for in the past,
"abnormal" has equaled ... "perversion."
Abnormal. Epi-mark. Epigenetics. Born This Way. Choice. Gay Marriage. Supreme
Court. Christian Right.
2013's gonna be very interesting, don't you think?
*To be sure, the Right will call in their own "experts" and
"scientists", but under close scrutiny of their credentials and
beliefs their statements may not hold water. It is up to responsible
professional journalists to point that out.
** Several years ago, a study found that testosterone levels may have been
"re-routed" in up to 25% of gay men.