Are you an atheist?

[KenHigg]

That is the case as backed by scientific evidence.

Here is where you said it. So now we are back to it being hardwired?

 

[Galaxiom]

I never changed from it being hardwired. I simply said the reason didn't matter.

 

[KenHigg]

You think the hardwired part is something like the gene thing they talk about?

 

[Galaxiom]

Homosexuality has long been seen as just another variation in the nature of humans by many cultures.

The primary source of persecution of homosexuals is the Bible. Do you even know where this single verse is located in the Bible?

 

[Galaxiom]

It is probably has a genetic basis.

 

[KenHigg]

Not sure about the Bible thing. I don't have to go that deep to realize something is out of wack.

If there was something like a gay gene, it seems like it would be long gone, since by definition gays don't recreate?

I just don't buy the whole it's how they were born thing, what am I missing?

 

[Galaxiom]

Many genes are linked. You get one you get the other. A gene that does not increase fitness can be promoted if it is linked to one that strongly aids fitness.

A single copy of a gene can provide some benefit while two copies can be a disadvantage. For example a single copy of the gene variant that causes Cystic Fibrosis protects against Tuberculosis while two copies causes the disease. This is why such genes persist in the population.

Research in Italy found that women with gay brothers had significantly more children on average than typical women.

 

[Galaxiom]

Homosexuality is common in many other species, particularly giraffes. What do you put this down to?

 

[KenHigg]

So they have 100% proof that if a certain combination of genes are present the person is gay? Or is this still speculation at this point?

 

[Galaxiom]

A combination of genes that causes homosexuality has not been found.

But then the combination genes for most aspects of humans have not been determined either.

Remember to that the encoding sections of the genome are not the only things that determine the characters of an organism. The vast non-encoding sections of the genome that some originally referred to as "junk dna" are steadily being shown to control the expression of genes.

Hence despite having the same gene sequences two individuals can express them quite differently.

During fetal development many crucial sections of brain wiring occur. Different environment conditions even for a matter of a few days while the foundations of sexuality are connected can make a big difference.

Moreover the environmentally caused changes to gene expression during gestation have been shown to affect not only the individual but their children and grandchildren.

The whole issue is far too complex to presume a specific gene or combination of genes can predict homosexuality.

 

[Brianwarnock]

Today I received a pm from aziz saying that he will not be posting on this thread anymore as he is under the threat of disbarment for upsetting a mod.
I don't know the circumstances but I can see nothing in the thread so can only assume that an exchange of PMs took place or the mods are showing an over sensitivity.

Pity as I haven't had a chance to respond to Aziz's last resonse to me.

Brian

 

[Brianwarnock]

Brain, you are part of the problem!

By what logic do you claim that wanting marriage equality is "too much"?

The militant gays want the right to marry in church, this would require a change to the church service, why cannot they respect other people's belief's when it has no impact on their lives.

I may not be religious and disagree with many of their views and practices, but when they do not impact on the lives of others then I see no reason to ride roughshod over them.

Brian

 

[Galaxiom]

Brian, I concur with you on the issue of marriage in a church. The church is a club and if one wants to be in a club then the club rules apply.

However, despite their protestations, the churches do not own the institution of marriage. Yet they are opposed to same sex couples being allowed to marry under any circumstances.

Like the majority of Australians I fully support the right of same sex couples to be "married", not simply limited to a "civil union" as proposed by the churches.

In Australia the majority (about 2/3) of marriages are already performed by civil celebrants rather than religious ministers. The debate here is about allowing same sex couples to be married in these ceremonies.

 

[Galaxiom]

Today I received a pm from aziz saying that he will not be posting on this thread anymore as he is under the threat of disbarment for upsetting a mod.

I don't know the circumstances but I can see nothing in the thread so can only assume that an exchange of PMs took place or the mods are showing an over sensitivity.

I have seen nothing in Aziz's posts that would warrant action of a moderator less still the threat of a ban.

I will paraphrase a quote often attributed to Voltaire.

Although I disagree vehemently with Aziz's arguments I defend his right to express them.

BTW The famous quote was actually written by Evelyn Hall (under the pseudonym Stephen G. Tallentyre) as she paraphrased Voltaire in his Essay on Tolerance — "Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so too."

 

[Lightwave]

This is another vote for aziz to be allowed to continue to air his views. ( I don't see any reason to prevent his views being expressed )

 

[KenHigg]

A combination of genes that causes homosexuality has not been found.

So you believe in something that has not been proven?

 

[KenHigg]

Today I received a pm from aziz saying that he will not be posting on this thread anymore as he is under the threat of disbarment for upsetting a mod.
I don't know the circumstances but I can see nothing in the thread so can only assume that an exchange of PMs took place or the mods are showing an over sensitivity.

Pity as I haven't had a chance to respond to Aziz's last resonse to me.

Brian

Here's what happened:

Rabbie:
We should be grateful to Aziz for constantly reminding us of the meaningless way some religious people use quotes as a substitute for thinking.


aziz:
We should be grateful to Rabbie for a lack of intelligent thinking.

.
.

Rabbie pm to aziz
Final Warning

If you make any more personal remarks about anybody you will be barred. Do I make myself clear? Remember I am a mod and should be treated with respect.

Sounds familiar to me...

 

[Galaxiom]

So you believe in something that has not been proven?

While you rely solely on personal intuition?

Not sure about the Bible thing. I don't have to go that deep to realize something is out of wack.

 

[Galaxiom]

Ken: The fact which you have failed to even attempt to address is:

Sexual preference is nobody's business except for consenting adults who choose to be together.

Please explain exactly why you are so disturbed by others' homosexuality.

 

[Galaxiom]

(Quoting Rabbie)?
Remember I am a mod and should be treated with respect.

FWIW, I disagree with moderators being treated as Gods.

Moreover I don't feel Aziz's comment was particularly outside the tone of the thread.