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from Medical Issues
NARTH Challenges AMA To Correct Misinformation In Medical Encyclopedia
(Letter reprinted below. Also available as PDF.)
April 27, 2004
Dr. John Nelson
President-Elect
American Medical Association
515 N. State Street, Suite 15540
Chicago, IL 60610
Dear Dr. Nelson:
On behalf of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality
(NARTH), we wish to express our concern regarding your Complete Medical
Encyclopedia, which contains several substantial factual errors that we advise
you correct as soon as possible.
These errors include: "It is generally thought that about one in every ten persons
is homosexual."
This is incorrect. Homosexual activist organizations that filed a friend of the court
brief in the Lawrence v. Texas sodomy case, noted in footnote 42 the following:
"The most widely accepted study of sexual practices in the United States is the
National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS). The NHSLS found that 2.8% of
the male, and 1.4% of the female, population identify themselves as gay, lesbian,
or bisexual."
This statement comes from a legal brief filed by dozens of gay-activist organizations
in lobbying for the abolition of sodomy laws in the recent court case in the
United States.
A second factual error is this: "...homosexuality appears to result from an inborn
physiological predisposition, not from sexual abuse, poor parenting,
or contact with homosexual people."
NARTH clinicians have worked with thousands of men struggling with homosexual
feelings during the past 14 years. We have found consistent patterns in the
backgrounds of these men. These patterns frequently include one or more of
these elements: sexual abuse by an older homosexual male; poor relationships
with fathers and/or mothers, and peer labeling during a formative childhood period.
In addition, homosexual researchers themselves have admitted that they cannot
find a "gay gene," or any clear evidence that homosexuality has a biological basis.
"The Innate-Immutable Argument Finds No Basis In Science," [1] quotes
numerous homosexual researchers who have denied finding a determinative biological
basis for homosexual behaviors.
I would encourage you to access NARTH's research archives [2] on homosexuality
and genetics to learn more about this complex and specialized subject.
A third factual error is this: "Therapeutic efforts to change homosexuals into
heterosexuals rarely if ever succeed."
This is clearly incorrect. In fact, Dr. Robert Spitzer, a leading American Psychiatric
Association member, was one of the pivotal psychiatrists back in the 1970s
who was responsible for the removal of homosexuality from the DSM. Dr. Spitzer
was, at that time, convinced that homosexuals could never change.
In 2003, however, Spitzer published the results of a study he conducted on individuals
who had overcome homosexual attractions and were functioning successfully
as heterosexuals. We have published the details of this study from the
prestigious Archives of Sexual Behavior on the NARTH web site. [3]
As Dr. Spitzer has observed, "...the mental health professionals should stop
moving in the direction of banning therapy that has, as a goal, a change in sexual
orientation. Many patients, provided with informed consent about the possibility
that they will be disappointed if the therapy does not succeed, can make a
rational choice to work toward developing their heterosexual potential and minimizing
their unwanted homosexual attractions."
No one has said it is easy for individuals with homosexual attractions to change,
but change is possible and desirable. Homosexual behavior is fraught with psychological
and physical health problems. Dr. John Diggs, Jr., for example, has
published an extensive review of the health threats to individuals who engage in
homosexual behaviors. "The Health Risks Of Gay Sex," [4] is an important contribution
to the literature on homosexuality.
There is also a fourth point that must be clarified: "Although some religious
groups condemn homosexuality as morally perverse, it is considered a
normal sexual orientation, not a disorder or a sign of a disorder."
The author of this statement is technically correct, of course. The APA does not
categorize homosexuality as a disorder. But the implication of that statement is
that the religious proscription against homosexual acts ought to be considered
simply prejudicial (or absurd).
We disagree. A person who is not disordered in some way will not experience
high rates of drug and alcohol abuse, attempted suicides, promiscuous relationships,
or engage in self-destructive sexual behaviors that place the person at
high risk of acquiring an incurable STD or HIV.
The British newspaper, Independent reported on April 18, 2004, of the rising incidence
of "bug chasing" and "gift giving" parties sponsored by homosexuals over
the Internet. These parties consist of sex orgies where both HIV-infected and
non-infected individuals engage in unprotected sex with each other. The goal of
the "bug chaser" is to become HIV infected. The person who infects others is
called a "gift giver." The gift, of course, is HIV and certain death. [5]
An article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (April 18, 2004), described the
growing trend among homosexuals in the U.S. to have methamphetamine sex
parties and to engage in unprotected sex. [6]
Thus it would seem that the natural-law worldview about gender and sexuality
held by the world's traditional Jews, Christians, and Muslims, for example, must
be based in some sort of wisdom about our human design--and should not be
so cavalierly and disrespectfully dismissed by your publication.
Many studies besides the Spitzer research have shown that change is possible.
In addition, many other studies clearly indicate that the cause of homosexuality
cannot be reduced to biological factors alone. [7]
I am available for any consultations you may need in making accurate statements
about homosexuality. I look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D.
President
National Association for Research and Therapy Of Homosexuality
End Notes
[1] A. Dean Byrd, Shirley Cox, Jeffrey W. Robinson, "The Innate-Immutable Argument
Finds No Basis in Science: In Their Own Words: Gay Activists Speak
About Science, Morality, Philosophy," NARTH, 2001.
[2] NARTH Research Archives.
[3] Roy Waller and Linda A. Nicolosi, "Spitzer Study Just Published: Evidence
Found For Effectiveness Of Reorientation Therapy," NARTH, 2003.
[4] Dr. John Diggs, "The Health Risks Of Gay Sex," Corporate Resource Council
(http://www.corporateresourcecouncil.org)
[5] Francis Elliott, "'Gift' of potentially lethal sex is linked to rise in HIV cases,"
Independent, April 18, 2004.
[6] Cameron McWhirter, Jill Young Miller, "Meth abuse elevates HIV crisis for
gays Drug's link to unsafe sex stokes experts' concerns, propels AIDS education
efforts," Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 18, 2004.
[7] NARTH Internet Resources on "gay gene" and possibility of change.
Homosexuality and Genetics
The Animal Homosexuality Myth
Homosexuality and Genes: Déjà vu All Over Again?
New Evidence for Biological Influence on Gender
The Innate-Immutable Argument Finds No Basis in Science
Is There a "Gay Gene"?
The Importance of Twin Studies
Is There a Link Between Left-Handedness and Homosexuality?
The New Finger-Length Study on Lesbians
How Might Homosexuality Develop? Putting the Pieces Together
The Biological Research on Homosexuality
The Fading "Gay Gene"
Is Sexual Orientation Fixed at Birth?
Can Prenatal Hormone Exposure Influence Gender-Identity Development? -- One Theory
Evidence That Change Is Possible
Study Supports the "Weak Father" Theory of Homosexuality
Spitzer Study Published: Evidence Found for Effectiveness of Reorientation Therapy
Rationale for Sexual Reorientation Therapy Supported in Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
Gay-To-Straight Research Published In APA Journal
Should Reorientation Therapy Be Available? -- APA Journal Article Says Yes
The Treatment of Ego-Dystonic Homosexuality: The Development of a Masculine Self-Image
Treatment of Male Homosexuality: A Cognitive-Behavioral and Interpersonal Approach
Some Gay Advocates Acknowledge Reorientation Therapy as a Legitimate Option--Simon LeVay Joins Douglas Haldeman in Qualified Support
Former APA President Condemns APA for Barring Research
APA Defends Scientific Freedom: NARTH Responds
Conversion Therapy Revisited: Parameters And Rationale For Ethical Care
Attempts to Modify Sexual Orientation: A Review of Outcome Literature and Ethical Issues
Historic Gay Advocate Now Believes Change is Possible--see story
Same-Gender Attraction: Clinical Observations From a Self Psychology Perspective
Does "Born That Way" Mean "Designed That Way"?
HOMOSEXUALITY AND HOPE: Statement Of The Catholic Medical Association
New Ex-Gay Website
On the Right to Self-Determination
A.P.A. Says It Will Reconsider A Debate
Fathers of Male Homosexuals: A Collective Clinical Profile
Cc:
Senior Managing Editor:
Patricia Dragisic
Complete Medical Encyclopedia
Medical Editors:
Dr. Jerrold B. Leikin
Dr. Martin S. Lipsky
Medical Consultant:
Dr. Domeena C. Renshaw
Encl: NARTH December 2003 Bulletin
Updated: 8 February 2008
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