A New Zealand
university professor has angered many of the country's gay
rights activists by suggesting that recipients of the
sperm of gay donors should be told that a "gay gene"
could be passed on to the child, reports the news Web
site Stuff. Some scientists agree that there is
evidence of a genetic component to sexual orientation, but
most argue the link is complex and ill-defined.
After a complaint
to the Human Rights Commission, New Zealand's biggest
fertility service, Fertility Associates, recently decided to
accept sperm from gay men, ending a ban based on
perceived HIV risk. Responding to the move, Canterbury
University associate professor of genetics Frank Sin
called for potential recipients of sperm from gay donors to
be told that their children could inherit "the gay
gene."
Sin told The
Dominion Post that it is "not daydreaming" to
suggest that sexual orientation could be inherited.
Animal models have clearly shown the existence of a gene
that controls sexual behavior, he said. Though there
is nothing so conclusive in human studies, there is
strong evidence--particularly from studies on
twins--of a significant genetic component. Though he
has nothing against homosexuality, Sin said, he feels
people have the right to know the trait could be
passed on.
Gay Association
of Professionals spokesman Allan-John Marsh told
Stuff that Sin's suggestion is insulting and pathetic.
Though the association agrees that being gay is
something innate--rather than a
choice--there is no proof of a gay gene.
(Advocate.com)
