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One purpose of ''sexual orientation theory'' is to create a context in which homosexuality and heterosexuality hold '''equal status'''. The notion of equivalency between homosexuality and heterosexuality is very important to “gay” arguments.  

One purpose of ''sexual orientation theory'' is to create a context in which homosexuality and heterosexuality hold '''equal status'''. The notion of equivalency between homosexuality and heterosexuality is very important to “gay” arguments.  

====Neutralizing health and safety arguments against the legitimization of homosexuality====

====Neutralizing health and safety arguments against the legitimization of homosexuality====

For one thing ''sexual orientation theory'' neutralizes health and safety arguments against the legitimization of homosexuality.

For one thing ''sexual orientation theory'' neutralizes health and safety arguments against the legitimization of homosexuality.

==Sexual preference determined by birth==

==Sexual preference determined by birth==

Many social advocates assert that unknown biological factors are responsible for sexual orientation. Thus, they argue that is by no means a matter of [[Homosexuality and Choice|choice]], and that it is pointless to try to change one's orientation. Some go so far as to say that the attempt would cause harm, so mental health professionals must not offer assistance even if asked. In contrast, sexual preference refers to a person's preferred mode of sexual activity, fantasy or desire.  

Many social advocates assert that unknown biological factors are responsible for sexual orientation. Thus, they argue that is by no means a matter of [[Homosexuality and Choice|choice]], and that it is pointless to try to change one's orientation. Some go so far as to say that the attempt would cause harm, so mental health professionals must not offer assistance even if asked. In contrast, sexual preference refers to a person's preferred mode of sexual activity, fantasy or desire.

 

Advocates of [[homosexuality]] frequently argue that sexual orientation is fixed at birth, i.e. one is "born that way". This forms the basis of an argument that homosexuality is not a matter of choice, and thus should not be criticized. One may as well criticize a person for having blond hair, or dark brown skin.  

Advocates of [[homosexuality]] frequently argue that sexual orientation is fixed at birth, i.e. one is "born that way". This forms the basis of an argument that homosexuality is not a matter of choice, and thus should not be criticized. One may as well criticize a person for having blond hair, or dark brown skin.  

As a response to the claim that homosexual activities are "unnatural" or "do not occur in nature," many groups cite scientific studies that indicate homosexual practices in many species (such as apes, monkeys, or penguins).

Many groups cite scientific studies that indicate homosexual practices in many species (such as apes, monkeys, or penguins). However, researchers claim that the reason for homosexual behavior in animals is related to dominance, preparing for future heterosexual encounters, to expel low-quality [[sperm]], and to engage in reproductive suppression.<ref>LEVAN, K. E., et al. “Testing Multiple Hypotheses for the Maintenance of Male Homosexual Copulatory Behaviour in Flour Beetles.” ''Freshwater Biology'', Wiley/Blackwell (10.1111), 13 Oct. 2008, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1420-9101.2008.01616.x.</ref> As for social animals, macaques were studied engaging in same-sex behavior. However, a female may engage in female-female mounting, but that doesn't mean she isn't interested in males. Females often mount males, apparently to encourage them to mate more. Once they had learned this behavior, it was easy for them to apply it to other females as well.<ref>Vasey, Paul L., et al. “Male–Female and Female–Female Mounting in Japanese Macaques: A Comparative Study of Posture and Movement.” ''SpringerLink'', Springer, Dordrecht, 26 Apr. 2006, http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-005-9007-1.</ref> We may never find a wild animal that is strictly homosexual in the way some humans are.

==Sexual preference determined by childhood==

==Sexual preference determined by childhood==

Some homosexuality advocates make an intermediate claim, i.e., that sexual orientation is caused by a number of factors but does not become unchangeable until early childhood or even as late as adolescence. Likewise, this forms the basis of the argument that no one can be held morally responsible for being homosexual.

Some homosexuality advocates make an intermediate claim, i.e., that sexual orientation is caused by a number of factors but does not become unchangeable until early childhood or even as late as adolescence. Likewise, this forms the basis of the argument that no one can be held morally responsible for being homosexual.

==Objections==

==Objections==

However, in both of these instances, it could as well be argued that these are the result of personal experience and development: for instance alcoholism is seldom found in infants but develops as individuals gain experience of alcohol and see it as a solution to their problems or a route to happiness.  

However, in both of these instances, it could as well be argued that these are the result of personal experience and development: for instance alcoholism is seldom found in infants but develops as individuals gain experience of alcohol and see it as a solution to their problems or a route to happiness.  

==The Bible on Sexual Orientation==

==The Bible on Sexual Orientation==