Encyclopedia of Opinion

Question: Are people born gay?
Position‹4 of 4: It doesn't matter if people are born gay
Argument‹2 of 2: We are better off not knowing

The answer to the question will only have negative repercussions for the LGBTQ+ community.

The argument

If scientists prove that people are born gay and can link the development of same-sex attraction to a specific gene or genetic mutation, it will open the door for one of two things. If we are born gay and it proves to be a hereditary gene, homophobic parents carrying a foetus that has the gene could prove to terminate the pregnancy rather than give birth to an LGBTQ+ child. This would only serve to further marginalize the LGBTQ+ community. Alternatively, if it is a genetic mutation that causes same-sex attraction, the public will begin to view the LGBTQ+ community as victims of a disease. Neither of these outcomes will have positive outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Context

The impact of getting a definitive answer to this question will be catastrophic for the LGBTQ+ community. It is best to leave the question unanswered.

Premises

[P1]If science proves people are born gay via a hereditary gene, homophobic parents could selectively abort LGBTQ+ fetuses, further marginalizing the community. [P2] If science instead identifies same-sex attraction as a genetic mutation, the public will treat LGBTQ+ people as victims of a disease. [P3] Both possible outcomes of discovering a biological cause harm LGBTQ+ individuals. [C] Therefore, it doesn't matter whether people are born gay — we are better off not knowing.

Counter-arguments

Understanding why people are gay could lead to improved attitudes towards LGBTQ+ citizens. It could also lead to further public scrutiny of those that hold homophobic views and an end to damaging gay conversion therapies. All of these would be good outcomes.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] There are several important positive outcomes that could come from getting an answer to the question.