"GAY MARRIAGE AND HOMOSEXUALITY, SOME MEDICAL COMMENTS"
1. Background
Despite the impression given by the media, the actual number of homosexuals is
quite small. Essentially all surveys show the number of homosexuals to be only
1-3% of the population. The number of homosexuals living in ‘common law
partnerships’ is even less, only 0.5% of all couples. This contrasts with 70% of
all households with a married couple. The pressure for introducing same-sex
marriages comes from a very small section of society.
According to Statistics Canada , 1.3% of men and 0.7% of women considered
themselves to be homosexual . (www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/040615/d040615b.htm)
Recent studies in many different countries show that the prevalence of
homosexuality is less than 3% of the population : In a US study, the prevalence
of homosexuality was estimated to be 2.1% of men and 1.5% of women. (Gilman SE.
Am J Public Health. 2001; 91: 933-9.) Another US study estimated the prevalence
of the adult lesbian population to be 1.87% (Aaron DJ et al. J Epidemiol
Community Health. 2003; 57 :207-9.) In a recent British survey, 2.8% of men were
classified as homosexuals (Mercer CH et al. AIDS. 2004; 18: 1453-8). In a recent
Dutch study 2.8% of men and 1.4% women had had same-sex partners. (Sandfort TG
et al. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2001; 58 :85-91.) In a New Zealand study, 2.8% of
young adults were classified as homosexual or bisexual. (Fergusson DM et al.
Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1999; 56 : 876-80)
In 2001, there were just over 8.3 million families in Canada , of which nearly 6
million (70%) were married couples and 1.1 million common-law couples. The 2001
Census was the first to provide data on same-sex partnerships. A total of 34,200
couples (or 0.5% of all couples) identified themselves as same-sex common-law
couples. (www.statcan.ca/Daily/
English/021022/ d021022a.htm)
2. Health risks of the homosexual lifestyle.
The media portrays the homosexual lifestyle and relationships as happy, healthy
and stable. However, the homosexual lifestyle is associated with a large number
of very serious physical and emotional health consequences. Many ‘committed’
homosexual relationships only last a few years. This raises doubts as to whether
children raised in same-sex households are being raised in a protective
environment.
A. There are very high rates of sexual promiscuity among the homosexual
population with short duration of even ‘committed’ relationships.
A study of homosexual men shows that more than 75% of homosexual men admitted to
having sex with more than 100 different males in their lifetime: approximately
15% claimed to have had 100-249 sex partners, 17% claimed 250-499, 15% claimed
500-999 and 28% claimed more than 1,000 lifetime sexual partners. ( Bell AP,
Weinberg MS. Homosexualities. New York 1978) .
Promiscuity among lesbian women is less extreme, but is still higher than among
heterosexual women. Many ‘lesbian’ women also have sex with men. Lesbian women
were more than 4 times as likely to have had more than 50 lifetime male partners
than heterosexual women. (Fethers K et al. Sexually transmitted infections and
risk behaviours in women who have sex with women. Sexually Transmitted
Infections 2000; 76: 345-9.)
Far higher rates of promiscuity are observed even within ‘committed’ gay
relationships than in heterosexual marriage: In Holland, male homosexual
relationships last, on average, 1.5 years, and gay men have an average of eight
partners a year outside of their supposedly “committed” relationships. (Xiridou
M, et al. The contribution of steady and casual partnerships to the incidence of
HIV infection among homosexual men in Amsterdam . AIDS. 2003; 17: 1029-38.) Gay
men have sex with someone other than their primary partner in 66% of
relationships within the first year, rising to 90% of relationships after five
years . (Harry J. Gay Couples. New York . 1984)
In an online survey among nearly 8,000 homosexuals, 71% of same-sex
relationships lasted less than eight years. Only 9% of all same-sex
relationships lasted longer than 16 years. (2003-2004 Gay & Lesbian Consumer
Online Census;
www.glcensus.org)
The high rates of promiscuity are not surprising: Gay authors admit that ‘gay
liberation was founded … on a sexual brotherhood of promiscuity.’ (Rotello G.
Sexual Ecology. New York 1998)
B. Among homosexuals, highly risky sexual practices such as anal sex are very
common.
The majority of homosexual men (60%) engage in anal sex, frequently without
condom and even, if they know that they are HIV positive. (Mercer CH et al.
Increasing prevalence of male homosexual partnerships and practices in Britain
1990-2000. AIDS. 2004; 18: 1453-8) As a result, a large number of diseases are
associated with anal intercourse, many of which are rare or even unknown in the
heterosexual population such as: anal cancer, Chlamydia trachomatis,
Cryptosporidium, Giardia lamblia, Herpes simplex virus, HIV, Human papilloma
virus, Isospora belli, Microsporidia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C
and others. (
www.netdoctor.co.uk;www.gayhealthchannel.com;
)
There is a significant increase in the risk of contracting HIV when engaging in
anal sex. Young homosexual men aged 15-22, who ever had anal sex had a fivefold
increased risk of contracting HIV than those who never engaged in anal sex. (Valleroy
L, et al. HIV prevalence and associated risks in young men who have sex with
men. JAMA. 2000; 284: 198-204.)
The term ‘barebacking’ refers to intentional unsafe anal sex. In a study of
HIV-positive gay men, the majority of participants (84%) reported engaging in
barebacking in the past three months, and 43% of the men reported recent
bareback sex with a partner who most likely is not infected with HIV, therefore
putting another man at risk of contracting HIV. (Halkitis PN. Intentional unsafe
sex (barebacking) among HIV-positive gay men who seek sexual partners on the
Internet. AIDS Care. 2003; 15: 367-78.)
While many homosexuals are aware of HIV risk, a large number are unaware of the
increased risk of contracting non-HIV STDs, many of which have serious
complications or may not be curable . (K-Y lubricant and the National Lesbian
and Gay Health Association survey )
While ‘always’ condom use reduces the risk of contracting HIV by about 85%,
Condoms, even when used 100% of the time, fail to give adequate levels of
protection against many non-HIV STDs such as Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia,
Herpes, Genital Warts and others. The only safe sex is, apart from abstinence,
mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner. (Sex, Condoms, and STDs: What We Now
Know. Medical Institute for Sexual Health. 2002)
C. Homosexuals have very high rates of sexually transmitted infections such as
HIV which pose a major burden to the health service.
Over 70% of all AIDS diagnoses in Canada in adults over the age of 15 up to June
2004 were in homosexual men (13,019 out of 19,238). 60% of all positive HIV
tests are found in homosexual men. This contrasts with just over 15% of all
positive HIV tests which are due to heterosexual contact. (Public Health Agency
of Canada . HIV and AIDS in Canada . November 2004) .
The recently observed dramatic increases in syphilis in many large cities such
as Los Angeles , San Francisco , but also in London and Manchester , UK are in
the majority observed in homosexual men. ( Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). Trends in primary and secondary syphilis and HIV infections in
men who have sex with men. MMWR 2004; 53: 575-8. and Nicoll A. Are trends in
HIV, gonorrhoea, and syphilis worsening in western Europe? BMJ 2002;
324:1324-7.)
D. There are increased rates of mental ill health among the homosexual
population compared to the general population. Many studies show much higher
rates of psychiatric illness, such as depression, suicide attempts and drug
abuse among homosexuals then among the general population. The homosexual
lifestyle is associated with a shortened life expectancy of up to 20 years.
In a New Zealand study, data were gathered on a range of psychiatric disorders
among gay, lesbian, and bisexual young people. At the age of 21,
homosexuals/bisexuals were at fourfold increased risks of major depression and
conduct disorder, fivefold increased risk of nicotine dependence, twofold
increased risk of other substance misuse or addiction and six times more likely
to have attempted suicide. (Fergusson DM et al. Is sexual orientation related to
mental health problems and suicidality in young people? Arch Gen Psychiatry.
1999; 56: 876-80.)
In a recent US study of the mental health of homosexuals, it was found that
gay/bisexual men had a more than 3-fold increased risk of major depression and a
five-fold increased risk of panic disorder. They were three times as likely to
rate their mental health as only ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ and to experience high levels
of distress. Gay/bisexual women had a nearly four-fold increased risk of general
anxiety disorder and both groups were more than three times as likely than the
general population to require treatment in a mental health setting. (Cochran S.
et al. Prevalence of mental disorders, psychological distress, and mental health
services use among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults in the United States . J
Consult Clin Psychol. 2003; 71 :53-61.)
It is claimed, that the high rates of mental illness among homosexuals are the
result of ‘homophobia’. However, even in the Netherlands, which has been far
more tolerant to same-sex relationships and which has recently legalised
same-sex marriages, high levels of psychiatric illness, including major
depression, bipolar disorder (‘manic depression’), agoraphobia , obsessive
compulsive disorder and drug addiction are found. (Sandfort TG, et al. Same-sex
sexual behavior and psychiatric disorders: findings from the Netherlands Mental
Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS). Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2001; 58
:85-91.)
Furthermore, if ‘homophobia’ and prejudices were the cause of the high rates of
psychiatric disorders and suicide attempts among homosexuals, one would
similarly expect to find higher rates of suicide attempts and suicide among
ethnic minorities exposed to racism. However, this is not usually the case.
In a Vancouver study, life expectancy at age 20 years for gay and bisexual men
is 8 to 20 years less than for all men. If the same pattern of mortality were to
continue, it is estimated that nearly half of gay and bisexual men currently
aged 20 years will not reach their 65th birthday. (Hogg RS et al. Modelling the
impact of HIV disease on mortality in gay and bisexual men. International
Journal of Epidemiology.1997; 26:657-61 )
3. Homosexuality and pedophilia .
Any attempts to legalise gay marriage should be aware of the link between
homosexuality and pedophilia. While the majority of homosexuals are not involved
in pedophilia, it is of grave concern that there is a disproportionately greater
number of homosexuals among pedophiles and an overlap between the gay movement
and the movement to make pedophilia acceptable
One well known historic example on the link between homosexuality and pedophilia
is found in ancient Greece . Greek mythology is saturated with stories of
pedophilia and ancient Greek literature praises pedophilia. The age group of
boys that were used for ‘sexual pleasure’ was probably in the range of 12-17.
Male prostitution was very common with brothels in which boys and young men were
available. There is evidence for an extensive trade in boys . (Churchill W.
Homosexual Behavior among Males. Hawthorn. New York . 1967)
There are links between pedophilia and homosexuality. The political scientist
Prof. Mirkin wrote in a paper that: ‘pedophile organizations were originally a
part of the gay/lesbian coalition…’ (Mirkin H. The pattern of sexual politics:
feminism, homosexuality and pedophilia. Journal of Homosexuality 1999; 37:
1-24.). There is an overlap between the ‘gay movement’ and the movement to make
pedophilia acceptable through organisations such as the North American Man/Boy
Love Association (NAMBLA), as admitted by David Thorstad, Co-founder of NAMBLA
writing in the Journal of Homosexuality. (Thorstad D. Man/boy love and the
American gay movement. Journal of Homosexuality. 1990; 20 : 251-74)
The number of homosexuals in essentially all surveys is less than 3%.
(Statistics Canada found only 1% of the population who described themselves as
homosexual.) However, the percentage of homosexuals among pedophiles is 25%.
(Blanchard R et al. Fraternal birth order and sexual orientation in pedophiles.
Archives of Sexual Behavior 2000; 29: 463-78.) Therefore, the prevalence of
pedophilia among homosexuals is about 10-25 times higher than one would expect
if the proportion of pedophiles were evenly distributed within the (hetero- and
homosexual) populations.
4. ‘Gay marriage’.
Gay activists claim that there is no difference between children raised in a
homosexual as opposed to a heterosexual household. However, essentially all
studies that show that there is no difference have been criticised because of
poor research quality. Despite the shortcomings, the studies seem to suggest
that children raised in same-sex parents may be more sexually promiscuous and
more likely to become homosexuals.
In a review of all the studies that purport to find no difference between
children raised in families by same-sex parents and parents of different sex,
major methodological flaws have been noted. For example, the studies have very
small sample sizes, biased sample selection, or lack of control groups . (P.
Morgan, Children as Trophies? Christian Institute. Newcastle upon Tyne , 2002)
Despite the limitations of the studies of same-sex parenting some differences
are found. Children raised in same-sex parents are more likely to become
sexually promiscuous and are more likely to become homosexual themselves. (
Riggs SC. Coparent or Second-Parent Adoption by Same-Sex Parents. (letter)
Pediatrics 2002; 109: 1193-4.)
However, the main concern remains the inherent instability of same-sex
marriages. In the above mentionted Dutch survey, the average length of a
‘committed’ homosexual partnership was only 1.5 years. In the mentioned survey
of nearly 8,000 gays, 71% of relationships did not last 8 years. Furthermore,
violence among homosexual partnerships is two to three times as common as in
heterosexual relationships. Such an environment does not provide the stability
required for raising children. Former homosexual Stephen Bennett who is married
to his wife and has two children states: ‘Granting homosexuals the right to
marry or adopt children is deliberately creating dysfunctional families.’
5. Biological evidence regarding gender development.
Despite all the impression given by the media, homosexuality is neither an
entirely innate condition nor is it unchangeable. The so-called ‘gay gene’ has
never been found. There are studies that show it is possible to change sexual
orientation from predominantly homosexual to predominantly heterosexual
orientation.
A recent review by authors sympathetic to the gay movement shows clearly that
homosexual development cannot be only determined by genes. Evidence from biology
shows clearly that gays are not simply born that way. Environmental influences
play a significant role in the development of gender identity and sexual
behavior. ( Bailey JM. Biological perspectives on sexual orientation. In:
Garnets LD and Kimmel DC: Psychological perspectives on lesbian, gay, and
bisexual experiences. Columbia University Press, New York . 2003)
There is no convincing evidence for a ‘gay gene’. Indeed, if there were a
‘gay gene’ those who carry it would probably be at a disadvantage in the natural
selection process of evolution:‘If there was a ‘gay gene’ this gene would cause
a significant problem: homosexuality is associated with low fertility, indeed if
a homosexual has only sex with same-sex persons he will have no offspring.’ (
Bailey JM. Biological perspectives on sexual orientation. 2003)
One way of finding out whether a condition is genetically determined is to
examine the behavior of identical twins (who have the same genetic material) and
comparing them with non-identical twins. It is assumed, that twins grow up in
the same environment, There have been several studies investigating whether the
identical twin brothers of homosexual men are also homosexuals. Concordance
(both identical twins being homosexual) was found in only 25-50% of identical
twin pairs. ‘Genes’ therefore cannot entirely explain homosexual orientation and
behaviour. ( Pillard RC and Weinrich JD. Evidence of familial nature of male
homosexuality . Archives of General Psychiatry. 1986: 42; 808-12. King M and
McDonald E. Homosexuals who are twins. A study of 46 probands. British Journal
of Psychiatry. 1992; 160: 407-9.)
Recently, a study was published by Professor Spitzer, a prominent psychiatrist.
He is viewed as a historic champion of gay activism by playing a key role in
removing homosexuality from the psychiatric manual of mental disorders in 1973.
In his study, he examined whether a predominantly homosexual orientation will,
in some individuals, respond to therapy. He examined 200 respondents of both
genders who reported changes from homosexual to heterosexual orientation lasting
5 years or more. He writes: ‘Although initially skeptical, in the course of the
study, the author became convinced of the possibility of change in some gay men
and lesbians.’ Although examples of "complete" change in orientation were not
common, the majority of participants did report change from a predominantly or
exclusively homosexual orientation before therapy to a predominantly or
exclusively heterosexual orientation in the past year as a result of reparative
therapy. These results would seem to contradict the position statements of the
major mental health organizations in the United States , which claim there is no
scientific basis for believing psychotherapy effective in addressing same-sex
attraction. (Spitzer RL. Can some gay men and lesbians change their sexual
orientation? 200 participants reporting a change from homosexual to heterosexual
orientation. Arch Sex Behav. 2003; 32: 403-17; discussion 419-72. – further
evidence see www.narth.com)
6. Benefits of traditional marriage.
There are significant benefits from (heterosexual) marriage for individual and
society. Heterosexually married couples are, on average, healthier, have fewer
psychological problems and live longer than cohabiting or single individuals.
Government policy therefore should be to support and strengthen heterosexual
marriage.
In reviews by Professor Oswald, Professor of Economics at Warwick University, UK
it was found that marriage reduces mortality. The excess mortality of men who
are not married is similar to the excess mortality by smoking. Marriage has a
much more important effect on longevity than income does. For men, the effect is
positive and substantial. It almost exactly offsets the large (negative)
consequences of smoking. For women, the effect is approximately half the size of
the smoking effect.
Marriage is associated with greater happiness, less depression, less alcohol
abuse and less smoking. Marriage gives a beneficial effect in terms of reducing
alcohol abuse especially for men and reducing depression for both men and women.
Health benefits of marriage appear to be limited to marriage. Cohabitation does
not confer the same degree of benefit than marriage. Formal marriage itself
seems to matter. In the few studies that compare marriage and cohabitation, the
results tend to show a beneficial effect from being married . (Gardner J, Oswald
A, Is it Money or Marriage that Keeps People Alive? August 2002. Wilson CM and
Oswald AJ: How Does Marriage Affect Physical and Psychological Health? A Survey
of the Longitudinal Evidence. (January 2002; both papers available on Prof
Oswald’s website – see ‘further reading’)
7. Adverse effects of family breakdown.
There is a wealth of evidence linking family breakdown with many adverse health
outcomes for children and society as a whole. Government policy therefore should
be to strengthen the marriage-based family of husband and wife. ‘Gay marriages’,
with their inherent instability, will contribute to the many adverse effects
family breakdown has on children and on society as a whole.
At the root of many of the problems we see in children and young adults - such
as emotional and behavioral difficulties, poor school performance, substance
misuse, precocious teenage sexuality including teenage pregnancy and juvenile
delinquency - is the dramatic increase in family breakup and ‘relationship
turnover’ of parents, adversely affecting their children (For an overview see:
Rebecca O’Neill. Experiments in living. CIVITAS. 2002)
As a result of family breakdown, children have on average more ill health
including higher mortality, emotional problems (including a higher suicide
rate).
Children from broken families have poorer school performance including poorer
performance in maths, reading and writing.
Children from broken families are more likely to live in poverty. As a result of
family breakdown, many single parent families live in poverty.
Children from broken families are also more likely to have problems with
substance misuse and poor sexual health including teenage pregnancy.
Furthermore, children from broken homes are more likely to be engaging in
criminal activity and are disproportionally over-represented in the prison
population.
In a study of more than 170 US cities, a clear link between divorce rate and
crime was found. Low rates of divorce were associated with reduced crime rates.
(Sampson RJ, Crime in Cities. Tonry & Morris eds., Crime and Justice, Chicago
1992)
Here are the problems gay couples' kids will face
Vatican Insider article here
MARCO TOSATTILast June, the American scientific magazine “Social Science Research”, the most prestigious peer reviewed publication of its kind, published two very interesting studies on the issues faced by children that have been raised by same-sex couples. The studies have really changed the landscape of knowledge in the field. Early research into this topic – and the Constitutional Court may be based on this research – showed there was no difference in the development or emotional and psychological state of children brought up by heterosexual parents or raised by homosexual parents.
As the President of the Italian Society of Hospital Paediatrics (SIPO), Francesco Paravati, explained, problems with “new families” are a recent phenomenon and so all research in the field is preliminary, often conducted on small groups and over a short period of time.
One of these two new studies is by sociologist Mark Regnerus of the University of Texas. His study used a methodology that was innovative both in quantitative and qualitative terms. It based its results on a larger sample on a national level and most importantly, it took into consideration the testimonies of (by now grown up) children that were raised by same-sex couples.
From the data presented which caused the greatest stir, it emerged that 12% of children brought up by same-sex couples contemplate suicide (against 5% of children with heterosexual parents), they are more inclined to be unfaithful (40% against 13%), they are unemployed more often (28% against 8%) and they are more likely to visit a psychotherapist (19% against 8%). They are also more often under social service surveillance compared to peers who are raised by heterosexual couples. In 40% of cases they will catch a sexually transmitted disease at some point (against 8% of peers raised by heterosexual couples) and they are generally less healthy, poorer and more likely to smoke and commit criminal offences.
The author states that the few studies published so far that support the theory that there is no difference between children brought up in heterosexual and homosexual families “are based on non-random, non-representative data often employing small samples that do not allow for generalization to the larger population of gay and lesbian families.”
The LGBT movement in the U.S. has launched a powerful campaign to delegitimize Regnerus’ theory which often borders on insulting and almost constitutes moral lynching with its extraordinary violence. Appeals have been signed for the University of Texas to fire the researcher. An internal inquiry was launched to check the scientific accuracy of the study. Then on 29 August, this statement appeared on the University of Texas website: “The University of Texas at Austin has determined that no formal investigation is warranted into the allegations of scientific misconduct lodged against associate professor Mark Regnerus regarding his July article in the journal Social Science Research.” According to the university, “there is insufficient evidence to warrant an investigation” and it “deemed the matter closed from an institutional perspective.” The internal inquiry therefore recognised the study as a legitimate piece of work and confirmed it respected research methodology protocol.
The University of Texas holds 67th place among the world’s top universities according to the “US News and World Report”; Shanghai Jiao Tong University places it in 35th position and The Economist in 49th. Regnerus’ research was approved by The New York Times which is certainly no friend of traditionalist positions. The newspaper wrote that “outside experts, by and large, said the research was rigorous, providing some of the best data.” The study was also backed by a group of 18 scientists and university professors who published a statement on the Baylor University website and by a number of psychologists and psychiatrists who decided to take sides and recognised the reliability of the uncomfortable results.
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