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| In the latter half of the 20th century, opinion was divided into those who believed sexual orientation: | In the latter half of the 20th century, opinion was divided into those who believed sexual orientation is either: | ||
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#fixed at birth, or | ||
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#a complex function of inherited predisposition, early childhood upbringing, and conscious choice, or | ||
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#purely a matter of choice | ||
Revision as of 23:45, 28 December 2001
The term sexual orientation refers to the gender of a person's preferred sexual partner. (Some prefer the term affectional orientation as it includes elements of romance and affection.)
In the latter half of the 20th century, opinion was divided into those who believed sexual orientation is either:
- fixed at birth, or
- a complex function of inherited predisposition, early childhood upbringing, and conscious choice, or
- purely a matter of choice
Gay rights advocates generally believe that sexual orientation is fixed at birth and vigorously deny that it is amenable to deliberate change. Often they argue that since they didn't choose to be gay, the only alternative is that homosexuals' orientation is inherited. On these grounds, they declare homosexuality normal and acceptable.
Much religious teaching maintains that sexual behavior should conform to moral and religious codes, while sometimes falling short of calling homosexual desire sinful per se. For example, the Catholic Church prescribes chastity for homosexuals.
See: causes of sexual orientation, sexual behavior, bisexuality, reparative therapy
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