The Ethics of Genetic Research on Sexual Orientation

Research into the genetic component of some complex behaviors often causes controversy, depending on the social meaning and significance of the behavior under study. Research into sexual orientation—simplistically referred to as “gay gene” research—is an example of research that provokes intense con...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Hastings Center report 1997-07, Vol.27 (4), p.6-13
Main Authors: Schüklenk, Udo, Stein, Edward, Kerin, Jacinta, Byne, William
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavioral genetics
Bioethics
Civil Rights - legislation & jurisprudence
Ethical aspects
Ethics, Medical
Female
Female homosexuality
Gay and lesbian studies
Gays & lesbians
Genes
Genetic aspects
Genetic Research
Genetic Testing
Genetics
Genetics, Medical
Health
Homosexuality
Homosexuality - genetics
Human genetics
Humans
Lesbianism
Male
Male homosexuality
Medical ethics
Medical genetics
Medical Research
Prejudice
Research Ethics
Sex Role Orientations
Sexual orientation
Siblings
Social discrimination
Social Values
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Summary:Research into the genetic component of some complex behaviors often causes controversy, depending on the social meaning and significance of the behavior under study. Research into sexual orientation—simplistically referred to as “gay gene” research—is an example of research that provokes intense controversy. This research is worrisome for many reasons, including the fact that it has been used to harm lesbians and gay men. Many homosexual people have been forced to undergo “treatments” to change their sexual orientation. Others chose to undergo them to escape discrimination and social disapprobation. But there are other reasons to worry about such research. The very motivation for seeking an “origin” of homosexuality reveals homophobia. Moreover, such research may lead to prenatal tests that claim to predict for homosexuality. For homosexual people who live in countries with no legal protections these dangers are particularly serious.
ISSN:0093-0334
1552-146X
DOI:10.2307/3528773