Sexual Orientation and Whether It Is the Essay

sexual orientation and whether it is the result of the nature or environment has been the source of acrimonious debate for several decades. The debate has involved a wide spectrum of individuals such as scientists, religious officials, politicians, and the general public. Both sides of the issue possess strong feelings that they are correct in their assessment and the emotional nature of the issue has caused hard feelings to develop which make resolving the issue far more difficult.

Proponents of the argument that sexual orientation is determined by DNA or the result of hormonal development argue that because sexual orientation, whether gay or straight, is a function of nature it should be protected. Both gay and straight individuals should be, therefore, provided the same legal rights and protections. Opponents of the nature argument argue that sexual orientation is the result of environmental factors and, therefore, not natural. They argue that the gay lifestyle is unnatural and the result of a dysfunctional family situation, sexual abuse at an early age, brainwashing, or developmental problems. Such individuals, opponents argue, are not entitled to be married, any form of discrimination protection, or acceptance by society.The acrimonious nature of the debate has fueled increased interest by the scientific community in efforts to determine the causes of sexual orientation. Much to the chagrin of those who have argued that sexual orientation is determined by environment, the overwhelming evidence originating out of the scientific community indicates that sexual orientation is the result of biological makeup and not the result of environmental factors. For example, new research from the Stockholm Brain Institute compared brain sizes between those who favored relationships with women -- heterosexual men and homosexual women -- had larger right brain hemispheres while those who favored relationships with men -- homosexual men and heterosexual women had brains that were more symmetrical (Savic, 2008).

In line with studies such as those conducted by Dr. Savic, both the American Psychological Association (APA) (APA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) (AMA, 1995) have adopted the position that sexual orientation is not a matter of choice and that individual, regardless of orientation, are entitled to equal treatment. Although neither….....