Being Gay: It's in the Genes

A recent study suggests that homosexuality is indeed genetic. Based on new research from DNA, it reveals that two chromosomes may actually determine the sexuality of a man.

After researchers analyzed a region of the X chromosome and part of DNA on chromosome eight that greatly impacts male sexuality, they found that DNA may account for up to 40 percent of a man's sexual orientation.

"Sexual orientation has nothing to do with choice. Our findings suggest there may be genes at play - we found evidence for two sets that affect whether a man is gay or straight," said co-researcher Dr. Michael Bailey of Northwestern University via an annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Chicago. "But it is not completely determinative; there are certainly other environmental factors involved."

These findings reflect recent research carried out by Dr. Dean Hamer of the National Cancer Institute back in 1993. He was one of the first to find evidence of a "gay gene," according to background information from the study. The Independent even suggests that certain genetic tests involving the gene could help predict the sexual identity of babies.

"Although this could one day lead to a prenatal test for male sexual orientation, it would not be very accurate, as there are other factors that can influence the outcome," Bailey said. "Clearly parents should not be allowed to torture or kill babies. But they can currently choose to terminate a pregnancy early on, so they should be allowed to have as much information on the future child as possible."

However, researchers conclude that the latest findings should not be used in order to determine whether a man is gay or straight. 

What do you think?