From: Date: Thu, 17 Nov 1994 13:16:38 -0500 Message-Id: <941117131342_1479402@aol.com> Subject: NGLTF Response to New Brain Study ***************************************************** National Gay and Lesbian Task Force NEWS RELEASE Contact: Beth Barrett (202) 332-6483 ext. 3215 2320 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20009 ***************************************************** NGLTF STATEMENT ON McMASTER BRAIN STUDY Task Force Applauds Research But Highlights Potential For Unethical Use Washington, DC -- November 17, 1994 -- Biology may influence sexual orientation according to a new study released Thursday. The study, based on brain scans of 11 homosexual and 10 heterosexual men, contributes to a growing pool of research that suggests some biological link between the brain and sexual orientation. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) welcomes studies into the complexities of human sexuality. Regardless of the scientific origins of homosexuality, however, NGLTF calls for an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation. Sandra Witelson, a psychiatry professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, said the study suggests that sexual orientation may be one factor in an overall group of biological differences between gay and heterosexual men. Witelson suggested that her findings may show that gay men have different mental skills from heterosexual men. "Wittelson's study is an important addition to the growing body of evidence indicating a biological basis for homosexuality in some people," said Peri Jude Radecic, NGLTF Executive Director. "And it shows that homosexuality is a naturally occurring and common variation among humans -- a fact that gay and lesbian people have known all along." "Regardless of the origins of homosexuality, however, discrimination based on sexual orientation is wrong and must end," Radecic said. "This is especially true to avoid potential genetic engineering if science should ever discover a gene responsible for homosexuality." "Studies of human sexuality are not conducted in political and social vacuums," Radecic noted, "The results must therefore be used in the most ethical ways and precautions must be taken to ensure that the studies are not used against any individuals or groups." -more- In the past, Right Wing organizations have claimed that homosexuality is not genetically based and some groups therefore encouraged "reparative therapy" to "cure" gay people of their "abnormal behavior." However, upon release of the LeVay brain study three years ago, Rev. Lou Sheldon, an anti-gay activist with the Traditional Values Coalition, insinuated that if homosexuality were proven to be biologically based, he believed medicine and science should seek to genetically alter homosexuals. "We know that the Right Wing will use any research results against gay and lesbian civil rights, because theirs is not a movement based on seeking the truth but on perpetuating bigotry," Radecic said. "Our movement, on the other hand, wants to end discrimination against gay, lesbian and bisexual people, regardless of how or why sexual orientations vary." -end- For further information about the scientific and ethical questions surrounding biological research, contact Rochelle Diamond of the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals, (818) 791-7689.