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Are people born gay?
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We are better off not knowing

The answer to the question will only have negative repercussions for the LGBTQ+ community.
LGBTQ
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Context

The impact of getting a definitive answer to this question will be catastrophic for the LGBTQ+ community. It is best to leave the question unanswered.

The Argument

If scientists prove that people are born gay and can link the development of same-sex attraction to a specific gene or genetic mutation, it will open the door for one of two things. If we are born gay and it proves to be a hereditary gene, homophobic parents carrying a foetus that has the gene could prove to terminate the pregnancy rather than give birth to an LGBTQ+ child. This would only serve to further marginalize the LGBTQ+ community. Alternatively, if it is a genetic mutation that causes same-sex attraction, the public will begin to view the LGBTQ+ community as victims of a disease. Neither of these outcomes will have positive outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals.[1]

Counter arguments

Understanding why people are gay could lead to improved attitudes towards LGBTQ+ citizens. It could also lead to further public scrutiny of those that hold homophobic views and an end to damaging gay conversion therapies. All of these would be good outcomes.

Premises

[P1] The answer to the question of whether or not people are born gay will only have negative outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community. [P2] We should not seek to answer the question.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] There are several important positive outcomes that could come from getting an answer to the question.

References

  1. https://australiascience.tv/science-of-sexuality/
This page was last edited on Monday, 14 Sep 2020 at 12:15 UTC

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