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from "Born that way" theory
Media Campaign In Colorado
Waged Over 'Born Gay' Theory
August 3, 2006 -
Gay-affirming organizations and Focus on the Family are running advertising campaigns in Colorado on the "born gay" theory. As expected, their views are diametrically opposed to each other. The "Born Different" media campaign suggests that individuals are born gay. The $900,000 media blitz is funded by the Gill Foundation, founded by openly gay millionaire Tim Gill (founder of Quark).
R. Elizabeth Cornwall, a psychology professor at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs says "The evidence for the biological basis for homosexuality is very, very strong. It's coming from a lot of different areas."
According to Cornwall, "The religious right has been very, very successful at creating controversy where there is none. The scientists who study in this area, it's not a question that there's a biological component, it's just how that biological component is working."
Focus on the Family Vice President and psychologist in residence Bill Maier isn't convinced. "For some gay men and women, their homosexuality may be related to (as of yet undefined) biological factors that may contribute to certain types of personality temperaments. These unique temperaments then interact with social, familial, and environmental factors, leading (in some cases) to same-sex attraction. This is quite different from claiming that homosexuals are 'born gay.'"
Part of the "Born Different" campaign suggests that homosexuality is a normal variant of sexuality in the animal kingdom. Focus argues that using animal behavior as a guide for human behavior is unwarranted. "Rats and hamsters eat their young. Black widow spiders kill their mates. Do we consider those things natural behavior for humans, too?" says Focus on its web site.
"Gay" Penguins in New Zealand are cited in part of the "Born Different" ad campaign. However, Jane Carruthers, a representative for Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World in New Zealand, where the penguins live, says the two "gay" penguins aren't as close as they used to be. "Penguins tend to change partners each season, so it was strange that the penguins stayed close for 10 years prior to their 'breakup.' Because of this, it is probably not appropriate for them to be seen as promoting gay rights."
Dr. Maier says the attempt to convince the public that individuals are born gay is a tactic to advance legal changes in our culture on behalf of gays. "Americans are fair-minded people. And they think, 'Well, if an individual had no choice in the matter and was born gay, then certainly we should not try to obstruct them in their goals of same-sex marriage and parenting."
Additional Reading:
Born That Way Theory;
Maggie Gallagher And Andrew Sullivan Blog About 'Gay Penguins';
'Gay' Ram Claims Questioned By NARTH Leader;
The Animal Homosexuality Myth.
Updated: 8 February 2008
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