From: NGLTF@aol.com Date: Tue, 31 Oct 1995 08:54:56 -0500 Subject: NGLTF on Latest Genetic Study ************************************************* National Gay and Lesbian Task Force PRESS STATEMENT Contact: Beth Barrett (202) 332-6483 ext. 3215 bbarrett@ngltf.org 2320 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20009 ************************************************* NGLTF STATEMENT ON HAMER GENETIC STUDY Task Force Applauds Research But Highlights Potential For Unethical Use Washington, DC -- October 31, 1995 -- Biology may influence sexual orientation according to a new study released today. The study, based on DNA analysis of gay brothers, contributes to a growing pool of research that suggests some biological link between genetics 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. Dean Hamer, a molecular biologist with the National Cancer Institute, reports that the study found a hereditary predisposition to homosexuality in some men. Hamer suggested that the genetic material in one segment of the X chromosome may increase the probability of homosexuality in some men. "The Hamer study is an important addition to the growing body of evidence indicating a biological basis for homosexuality in some people," said Beth Barrett, NGLTF spokesperson. "And it shows that homosexuality is a naturally occurring and common variation among humans -- a fact that gay, lesbian and bisexual people have known all along." "Regardless of the origins of homosexuality, however, discrimination based on sexual orientation is always wrong and must end," Barrett 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," Barrett 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." 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 four 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 lesbian, gay and bisexual people. "We know that the Right Wing will use any research results against lesbian, gay and bisexual civil rights, because theirs is not a movement based on seeking the truth but on perpetuating bigotry," Barrett 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 the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals, (818) 791-7689.