For instance, some research has been done regarding twin studies, fraternal and identical. One study in his book showed that when one identical twin is homosexual 52% of their identical siblings were as well. Fraternal studies only showed that 22% of the twins" fraternal siblings were also homosexual. This would be important because identical twins share all of their same genes, where as fraternal twins only share about half of their genetic makeup (Corvino 119). "Some gay rights activists have maintained that, by bolstering the argument that sexual orientation is not chosen, the biological evidence will enhance the society's tolerance of homosexuality, making a variety of social and political goals more easily attainable" (Corvino 111). This may all be true, but the fact is that no real empirical evidence of the origin of homosexuality and or causes has been noted.
When one's particular religion and or faith comes into play, the idea of being gay or lesbian seems to be very uncomfortable. "One of the oldest myths in the modern western tradition is that homosexuality is evil: a sin, a disease, and a crime, whether against society or against nature; an abnormal lifeway that creates hypersexual and selfish delinquents, fiendish vampires, and monsters on the edge of society" (Herdt 25). However absurd this sounds to rational people today, this is still very much a part of some people's beliefs. In the 1930's some also believed that masturbation was a cause of homosexuality so at night when the children slept, restraints were put on the children so they were unable to touch their body parts. The idea that homosexuals are condemned by God in the Bible is addressed also by Corvino in his book. He says that the Bible can provide ultimate rationalization for those people who want to condemn homosexuality (Corvino 81). Any Christian religion believes in love thy neighbor as thyself.
