ABSTRACT
Contemporary studies of the heritability and genetics of homosexuality usually explicitly state that it is not part of their goal to enable changes to be made; this contrasts sharply with many other human genetic studies, such as those into the genetic etiologies of various physical diseases, mental disorders, or antisocial behaviors. 1 In the case of physical diseases, mental diseases, and (to a lesser extent) antisocial behaviors, the standard story is that it is explanation and prediction with an eye toward intervention that makes them worth doing. Given this sort of raison d’être in the case of most studies, then, the purpose of studies on the heritability and genetics of homosexuality is always somewhat in doubt, as intervention, at least, is generally considered an unacceptable goal, and prediction is often thought to be too closely linked to intervention at the level of, for example, prenatal screening and abortion, for it to be an acceptable goal. 2 In one version of the story, the research is supposed to be of interest simply because of the intrinsic interest in the subject (see Horgan 1993; Hamer and Copeland 1994, 19–20). In another version of the story, the hope is that showing that homosexuality is innate and genetically influenced, or at least biological, will tend to increase tolerance of homosexuals (see Horgan 1993, quoting Simon LeVay; Murphy 1997, 56; but see also Hamer and Copeland 1994, 19–20).
