Ist dem wirklich so? Mal ganz abgesehen davon, dass es bisher nicht einen einzigen Beweis dafür gibt, woher homosexuelle Neigungen eigentlich kommen (wohl aber viele Hinweise auf die Bedeutung der Familie, Erziehung sowie eine genetische Veranlagung, die es uns unter bestimmten Bedingungen erleichtert, uns so und nicht anders zu verhalten. Allerdings gibt es bis heute keinen Hinweis auf ein "schwules Gen". Selbst wenn es dieses aber geben würde, würde es dem Ganzen keinen Abbruch tun, da wir mehr sind als nur Sklaven eines Gencodes!), hätte die Kirche ein Problem, wenn sie ihre Grundsätze sowie die Bibel jedes Mal umschreiben müsste, wenn "neue wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse oder Theorien" veröffentlicht werden. Die Kirche hat immer die enge Verbindung von Glaube und Vernunft betont. Glaube muss vernünftig sein, um ihn vor sich selbst und anderen begründen zu können, geht aber über rein menschliches Vernunft-Empfinden hinaus. Auch kann die Kirche kein Spielball von Wissenschaftlern sein - noch dazu, wenn sich diese gerade bei diesem Thema uneinig sind. Ein zeitgemäßer Glaube ist etwas anderes als ein Glaube, der sich dem Zeitgeist unterwirft. Eine Kirche, die klare biblische Aussagen "uminterpretiert" oder gleich verwirft, hilft Menschen mit gleichgeschlechtlichen Neigungen nicht -ganz im Gegenteil. Homosexuelles Verhalten wurde in der überwiegenden Anzahl menschlicher Kulturen weltweit und zu allen Zeiten abgelehnt - und das lässt sich nicht alleine auf mangelndes Wissen oder die gesellschaftliche Diskriminierung schieben. Viele Menschen mit gleichgeschlechtlichen Neigungen berichten, wie sehr sich ihr Innerstes dagegen gesträubt hat, als sie diese Neigungen in ihrer frühen Jugend das erste Mal wahrgenommen haben. Und noch Jahre später berichten sie, dass dies unabhängig vom gesellschaftlichen Einfluss so war. Es scheint, als sei Heterosexualität als Standard von unserem Schöpfer so tief in unser Innerstes eingeschlossen worden, dass selbst hartnäckige Versuche, bereits Kinder und Jugendliche zu indoktrinieren und von der Attraktivität homosexuellen Verhaltens überzeugen zu wollen, nur sehr kurzfristige Erfolge haben, langfristig aber auf inneren Widerstand stoßen.
Menschen mit gleichgeschlechtlichen Neigungen ist mit Verständnis und Liebe zu begegnen. Es ist aber auch unsere Verantwortung als Christinnen und Christen, unsere Geschwister im Glauben zu ermahnen, wenn sie vom Weg abkommen und sich von Gott abwenden. Man kann nicht beides haben. Die Bibel sagt uns nicht: Du darfst nicht mit einem Mann liegen, wie man mit einer Frau liegt, außer du bist so geboren worden. Sie hat uns den Standard der heterosexuellen, monogamen Ehe vorgegeben - und diesen über Jahrtausende hinweg aufrecht erhalten. Es steht uns nicht zu, Gott spielen zu wollen und Seinen Willen eigenmächtig und willkürlich zu missachten oder nach Belieben umzuinterpretieren, wenn wir ihn nicht mehr als "zeitgemäß" ansehen.
Ist die sexuelle Neigung nun festgeschrieben oder veränderlich?
Neuronale Plastizität
Scientists?
AN EX-GAY COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO: “Genome-wide scan demonstrates significant linkage for male sexual orientation” 17 November 2014 [1]
11-18-2014
Media outlets are flush with the rush to promote yet another inconclusive hypothesis attempting to tie biological factors to the penchant for homosexual behavior. After an unusual 7 year tweaking before release, Dr. Alan Sanders of NorthShore University HealthSystem Research Institute et al, compared the genes of 409 gay twin brothers (the largest twin sampling to date). The team argues that they found linkages to the X Chromosome 8 region and Xq28 but were unable to cite any actual gene. This runs contrary to the conclusions of eight other international twin studies examining the same notion[2] with the exception of Dr. Dean Hamer’s claim to find Chromosome 8 involvement 20 years ago but also failing to find any actual gene.
The inability to find and verify gene involvement makes the entire exercise of identifying linkages fruitless since there can be no linkage between non-existent entities. This leaves wide open the interpretation of what these researchers are seeing within these chromosome bands. Sanders himself describes his results as, “not proof but a pretty good indication.” An indication of what remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the reaction by genetic experts ranges from skeptical to completely dismissive. Dr. Robert Green, medical geneticist at Harvard Medical School called the study, “intriguing but not in any way conclusive” and Dr. Neil Risch, genetics expert at UC San Francisco states the data is too statistically weak to suggest any linkage (with homosexual preference.)[3]
Of bizarre concern is Sander’s use of a deprecated genetic method. Genetic linkages have been replaced with GWA (genome-wide association) methodology in genetic science which gives a higher, but still not guaranteed, association between a given gene and a behavior. Sanders admitted it would have been the preferable approach but it was the only way to try to expound on Hamer’s failed attempt 20 years ago. Ken Kendler, an editor at Psychological Medicine admitted it was a surprise to see Sanders submit a study using the old technique and Sanders admits that one publication turned down his submission outright.[4] Sanders has announced his intention of a GWA study using an even larger sample group.
It is the opinion of most in the ex-gay community that scientific research would be better utilized addressing the knowns of same-sex attraction, such as the high child sexual abuse and childhood trauma histories found in research which is more results oriented by healing traumas that often lead to same-sex attractions and therapies that eliminate unwanted same-sex attraction. This more appropriately achieves the goals of the American Psychological Association’s vow to patient self-determination. Much like the already proven genetic components of depression and anxiety disorders, genetic involvement only contributes to predilection and has no bearing at all on outcomes. Thus, any genetic discovery while interesting is irrelevant to ultimate behavioral self-management and choice.
[1] “Genome-wide scan demonstrates significant linkage for male sexual orientation”
A. R. Sanders, E. R. Martin, G. W. Beecham, S. Guo, K. Dawood, G. Rieger, J. A. Badner, E. S. Gershon, R. S. Krishnappa, A. B. Kolundzija, J. Duan, P. V. Gejman and J. M. Bailey
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, NorthShore University HealthSystem Research Institute, Evanston, IL, USA
[2] "EIGHT MAJOR STUDIES of identical twins in Australia, the U.S., and Scandinavia during the last two decades all arrive at the same conclusion: gays were not born that way."Dr. Neil Whitehead is author of the book, "My Genes Made Me Do It" – a scientific look at sexual orientation (1999/USA; revised 2nd edition, 2010) and over 140 published scientific papers.
[3] “Study Suggests Genetic Link for Male Homosexuality”, November 17th, 2014, Associated Press.
[4] “Study of gay brothers may confirm X chromosome link to homosexuality”, 17 November 2014, AAAS Science Magazine.
John Ozanich, VP The Jason Foundation
The Guardian: Male sexual orientation influenced by genes, study shows
FOR IMMEDIATE NOTICE - We want to jump on this new hack article right away because we've been down the Xq28 road before and you know you will be brow beaten with these "facts" ad nauseum. For anyone literate - we've highlighted the laughable holes for you:
"A region of the X chromosome called Xq28 had some impact on men's sexual behaviour – though scientists have no idea which of the many genes in the region are involved, nor how many lie elsewhere in the genome.
Another stretch of DNA on chromosome 8 also played a role in male sexual orientation – though again the precise mechanism is unclear.
Researchers have "speculated" in the past that genes linked to homosexuality in men "may" have survived evolution because they happened to make women who carried them more fertile. This "may" be the case for genes in the Xq28 region, as the X chromosome is passed down to men exclusively from their mothers.
"The work has yet to be published..."
...he found that [only] 33 out of 40 gay brothers inherited similar genetic markers...
The gene or genes in the Xq28 region that influence sexual orientation have a limited and variable impact. Not all of the gay men in Bailey's study inherited the same Xq28 region. -->The genes were neither sufficient, nor necessary, to make any of the men gay.<--
The flawed thinking behind a genetic test for sexual orientation is clear from studies of twins, which show that the identical twin of a gay man, who carries an -->exact<-- replica of his brother's DNA, is more likely to be straight than gay. That means even a perfect genetic test that picked up every gene linked to sexual orientation would still be less effective than flipping a coin.
However, we don't know where these genetic factors are located in the genome.
"We found evidence for two sets [of genes] that affect whether a man is gay or straight. But it is not completely determinative; there are certainly other environmental factors involved." [Women must simply just be of some other species or don't have genes.]
13 February 2014
http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/feb/14/genes-influence-male-sexual-orientation-study
Secular Presentation
The Science about Same Sex Attractions
I appreciate being able to speak to the Traditional Value Club through Sinclair Community College. I have always believed that college is a place where various views can be presented and discussed, allowing each person to decide for themselves what they want to believe. I am well aware there are differences of opinion on the subject of Same Sex Attractions. I believe that the human race has freewill and choices can be made. I am also aware that in country we believe in freedom of speech
My background and how I got into this work:
I have been an ordained clergyman for many years, pasturing churches and counseling individuals with various personal and marital issues. In 1986 a number of men in my community were arrested for importuning in a city park. Being a compassionate person, I told my wife I wish there was a way to help men like this who struggle with Same Sex Attractions and possibly are addicted to sex. I attended a seminar on gender identity so I could better understand same sex attractions. After completing this training, I founded New Pathways a Christian ministry to assist individuals who wish to change their lifestyle. This is my 24th year in this work helping individuals. People come for help because they are not happy with their Same Sex Attractions. Many have been married and wish to remain married. Others come for religious reasons. And still others for other personal reasons. There is no ill will toward anyone who does not wish to change their lifestyle. I have worked with some who decided they did not want to change and they quit either counseling or group. There is no animosity toward them or anyone else. I have several friends who are in the gay lifestyle.
I worked to complete my education in counseling. In 1992, I began formal counseling under the supervision of a psychologist. In 2004, I began counseling in a private practice. I continue as a pastor of small church because it keeps me in church ministry and they cannot afford a full-time pastor. My licensing is through the National Christian Counselors Association and I have a certification through them as a Sexual therapist. NCCA is a national religious organization who trains people in pastoral counseling. Through them I am a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor. My counseling is done under the auspices of the Church of God of Cedarville.
My religious faith teaches me that if a person seeks help for any spiritual or psychological issue and I have the ability to assist them, I should try to meet that need the best way I can.
I believe religious faith and science are not on opposite poles, they can work together to achieve a common goal. I wanted to know what research has been done in this field. I began to research and have discovered some interesting facts regarding persons who are Same Sex Attracted. I am an avid reader and so I have read most of the literature on this subject. Just in the field of psychology I have over 300 books beside probably another 12 dozen religious books. A number of studies have been done over the past thirty years, investigating the causes of Same Sex Attractions and behaviors. I first began this research at the Medical Library at Wright State University and through other organizations that study the psychology of Same Sex Attractions. I found a number of organizations, including different religious bodies who believe same sex attractions can be changed. I have deep respect for all those who research in this field. Some of the major studies performed have been hypothalamus studies, identical twin studies, hormonal studies, genetics and several minor studies, on smell and finger length.
An interesting fact is that the researchers themselves have stated they have not proved inconclusively that anyone is born gay. Every researcher has admitted that psychological and social influences play a large part in the development of Same Sex Attractions. That is the premise upon which I work- that there are psychological and social influences that create a sexual desire for someone of the same sex.
I have studied several of the major research studies done within the past 30 years. Good research is based upon large-random examples covering a number of different groupings. This includes racial, economic, geographic regions and religious groups. Also, researcher must be able to replicate a study. I have found that replication of studies has not produced the desired results of the researchers.
Factors studied have been-
1. Simon LeVay studied the hypothalamus. This study was mostly done on men who died of aides while in prison. The study first of all was too narrow because of the number of men used in this study. The study should have been broader in scope covering many different people groupings and from many different locations across the nation. It is difficult to study the hypothalamus because it requires a cadaver. The hypothalamus in these men was smaller than the normal man. The question is, did aids cause the reduction of the size or did their behaviors over several years cause the reduced size? No one knows. William Byrne, another research scientist could not duplicate LeVays research. That is a significant point about this study.
2. Baily & Pillard researched identical twins. The identical twin study reported that 52% of the gay men were both gay, while 48% of identical twins were not gay. Identical twins are alike in most areas of life. They carry the same genetic makeup so what caused the differences? Michael King and Elizabeth McDonald and Wm Byrne and Bruce Parsons could not replicate the same patterns as did Baily and Pillard.
3. I have twice sat under the teachings of Neil Whitehead, a research scientist from New Zealand. He teaches in the field of genetics. The study in genetics is extremely complex. Some of the findings in this field are:
a. No generally determined human behavior has yet been discovered.
b. Genetically dominated behaviors have only been found in very simple organisms.
c. A genetically denominated homosexual trait cannot suddenly appear and disappear in families. One psychiatric researcher reported, If the trait was 50 % inheritable and each family in the initial study had ten members in the family- 4 grandparents, 2 parents, and 4 children- detecting one of the genes would require studying 2000 people. Replicating that finding would require studying another 8000 people. To find and confirm each additional gene, researchers would need to go through this whole process over and over again. Suddenly, youre talking about tens of thousands of people and years of work and millions of dollars. No study has come close to meeting these requirements.
These studies have helped those who come to me and to my ministry to have hoped that they can change their behaviors and understand their deepest SSA desires. I am well aware there are those who object to this belief system. I am reminded that the human race has freewill and therefore choices are made throughout life. Also, we live in a country that believes in freedom of speech.
What have I come to believe about Same Sex Attractions?
I believe the home is the basic training ground for life. The home is the most important institution that exists in our world. The attitudes and behaviors within the family mold the minds and hearts of every human being. As the home goes, so goes the country and the world. The parents instill in their children values and beliefs that affect the future of that child.
Gender disparity can be developed very early in a childs life. Many times children make decisions at a very young age. How the mother and father function together, and with their children forms concepts that eventually are believed by the children. Sibling and peer interactions also play a part in child development. Dr. Kenneth Leymen writes about birth order and how it affects a childs development. I like the teachings of John Bradshaw and many other who write in the field of psychology. Their writings resonate with me.
What important attitudes and practices should be a part of the home? There are many but here are a few important ones that affect a persons gender identity.
1. Appropriate same sex attitudes and behaviors on the part of both parents are important. Parents who criticize each other can cause a child to reject their own gender out of fear of that parent or even to dislike that parent.
2. Parents help their children to become aware of the different sex roles within the family. A confusion of sex roles may cause confusion in childrens gender roles.
3. Parents help their children to understand each childs uniqueness.
4. Rigid gender roles in a family confuses a childs proper development
of their own gender.
5. Favoritism also affects a childs sense of who they are.
6. Abuse in any form, whether physical, mental or especially sexual abuse
creates a feeling of not liking their gender.
7. And finally a childs own perceptions stemming from their own personality helps them to form beliefs that will affect them all through
life unless they find help to understand themselves.
Beyond the family, children also respond to many other environmental factors which affect their perceptions of self.
I thank you for the opportunity to share my views today.
(Elton M.)
Clarifying The Misinformation About Homosexuality
Attributed To The APA - American Psychiatric Association
And To The APA - American Psychological Association
According to the APA - American Psychological Association, as of Dec 2011 there are no scientific findings that a person is born homosexual. "No findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors."
The 1973 APA " American Psychiatric Association's decision to remove homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses (DSM) was not based on any new scientific or psychological findings regarding homosexuality. In addition the APA acknowledged that "a significant proportion of homosexuals" can "change their sexual orientation."
A 2010 peer reviewed study published in The Journal of Men's Studies found that men experiencing unwanted homosexual attractions seeking sexual orientation change experienced a decrease in homosexual feelings and behavior, an increase in heterosexual feelings and behavior, and a positive change in psychological functioning."
The political correctness of the APAs and their loss of scientific objectivity.
Past APA President, Dr. Nicholas Cummings, testifying how the "APA is politically based rather than scientifically based" as well as confirming the research that reports that change is possible."
Dr. Jeffrey Satinover M.D., Ph.D in his book titled: Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth, expands upon how the APA was driven by politics, not science."
APAs' political bias on reparative or change therapy is blatant. They cite no scientific studies of harm. Rather, they use terms such as "expressed concerns" "no scientifically adequate research to show that therapy is safe or effective." "it seems likely promotion of change therapies reinforces stereotypes."
Dr. A. Dean Byrd, Ph.D., MBA, MPH reviews a book titled: Destructive Trends in Mental Health: The Well-Intentioned Path to Harm. (Edited by Rogers H. Wright and Nicolas A. Cummings, 2005.) The book exemplifies how The APA has chosen ideology over science."
Fact 1:
According to the APA - American Psychological Association, as of Dec 2011 there are no scientific findings that a person is born homosexual. "No findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors."
Excerpt:
"There is no consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops a heterosexual, bisexual, gay, or lesbian orientation. Although much research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular factor or factors."
Fact 2:
The 1973 APA American Psychiatric Associations decision to remove homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses (DSM) was not based on any new scientific or psychological findings regarding homosexuality. In addition the APA acknowledged that a significant proportion of homosexuals can change their sexual orientation.
The following are excerpts from the official policy document on homosexuality approved by APA Assembly and Board of Trustees. These are position statements that define APA official policy on specific subjects.
Excerpts:
Modern methods of treatment enable a significant proportion of homosexuals who wish to change their sexual orientation to do so.
We acknowledge that by itself [homosexuality] does not meet the requirements for a psychiatric disorder. Similarly, by no longer listing it as a psychiatric disorder we are not saying that it is normal or as valuable as heterosexuality."
"Psychiatrists' will continue to try to help homosexuals who suffer from what we can now refer to as Sexual orientation disturbance, helping the patient accept or live with his current sexual orientation, or if he desires, helping him to change it."
"No doubt, homosexual activist groups will claim that psychiatry has at last recognized that homosexuality is as normal as heterosexuality. They will be wrong. In removing homosexuality per se from the nomenclature we are only recognizing that by itself homosexuality does not meet the criteria for being considered a psychiatric disorder. We will in no way be aligning ourselves with any particular viewpoint regarding the etiology or desirability of homosexual behavior."
"Therefore, this change should in no way interfere with or embarrass those dedicated psychiatrists and psychoanalysts who have devoted themselves to understanding and treating those homosexuals who have been unhappy with their lot. They, and others in our field, will continue to try to help homosexuals who suffer from what we can now refer to as Sexual orientation disturbance, helping the patient accept or live with his current sexual orientation, or if he desires, helping him to change it."
Fact 3:
2010 peer reviewed study published in The Journal of Mens Studies found that men experiencing unwanted homosexual attractions seeking sexual orientation change experienced a decrease in homosexual feelings and behavior, an increase in heterosexual feelings and behavior, and a positive change in psychological functioning."
NARTH Summary of a Newly Published Study on Sexual Orientation Change Efforts
Summary Written by Benjamin Erwin, Ph.D.
Karten, E. Y., & Wade, J. C. (2010). Sexual orientation change efforts in men: A client perspective. The Journal of Mens Studies, 18, 84-102.
March 1st, 2010 - Dr. Elan Y. Karten and Dr. Jay C. Wade authored a study published in the Journal of Men's Studies investigating the social and psychological characteristics of men experiencing unwanted homosexual attractions seeking sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE). This study was based on Dr. Karten's doctoral dissertation at Fordham University, New York, under the direction of Dr. Jay Wade.
Karten and Wade make both timely and significant contributions to the body of evidence understanding SOCE. They investigated self-reported change, which factors were statistically associated with change, and which treatment interventions and techniques were perceived by clients to be most helpful. The authors specifically investigated whether male identity, sexual identity, high religiosity, psychological relatedness to other men, gender role conflict regarding affection between men, and marital status would be related to self-reported change in sexual and psychological functioning.
Karten & Wade found that overall clients experienced "a decrease in homosexual feelings and behavior, an increase in heterosexual feelings and behavior, and a positive change in psychological functioning." The researchers discovered that the most significant factors correlating to successful SOCE were reduced conflict in expressing nonsexual affection with other men, being married, and feeling disconnected with men prior to treatment.
This study provides significant empirical evidence to factors related to SOCE. Although several meta-analysis reviews have shown the efficacy of SOCE (e.g. Byrd & Nicolosi, 2002; Jones & Yarhouse, 2000), Karten and Wade provide insight into which factors play a significant role in the change process. Such factors, like reduced conflict in expressing nonsexual affection with men, provide valuable empirical evidence that homosexual thoughts and feelings are greatly influenced by social and psychological factors. Such factors include one's sense of gender identity and relatedness to other men. Daryl Bem's theory, that the "Exotic Becomes Erotic," is another way to summarize this social constructive viewpoint. This suggests that the absence/presence of healthy male relationships plays a critical role in the development/treatment of homosexuality.
For clinicians and clients currently involved with SOCE, this study highlights the importance of developing appropriate nonsexual male relationships. Participants perceived the most helpful interventions to be a men's weekend/retreat, a psychologist, and a mentoring relationship. Considering the above findings regarding the significance of male identity and nonsexual affectionate relationships with other men, it is notable that at least two of these interventions involve healthy relationship development with men. In addition, participants perceived the two most helpful techniques to be understanding better the causes of one's homosexuality and one's emotional needs and issues and developing nonsexual relationships with other men.
Karten and Wade also found that SOCE actually helped psychological functioning. This is in direct contradiction to the APA's executive summary from Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation that states "there was some evidence to indicate that individuals experienced harm from SOCE" (pg. 3). Any psychological intervention or technique has the risk to produce uncomfortable feelings and harm. Ethical guidelines dictate that informed consent statements disclose this fact to clients. However, it is a double standard to assume that SOCE produces any significantly different effects for clients than any other form of psychotherapy or counseling. Karten & Wade provide valuable evidence that SOCE is not contraindicated, but in fact helps psychological functioning.
This study reflects that mainstream literature is beginning to give voice to scientific research and empirical inquiry regarding SOCE. Although such research may not be considered politically correct, Karten and Wade should be praised for their courage to investigate such issues, and Fordham University should be lauded for sponsoring it. Karten and Wade have followed similar pioneers such as Dean Byrd who asserts "though such research into sexual reorientation may be viewed as politically incorrect, no longer can it be ignored. Sociopolitical concerns must not interfere with the scientist's freedom to research any reasonable hypothesis, or to explore the efficacy of any reasonable treatment."
While some would encourage practitioners to provide "affirmative" treatments but "not to aim to alter sexual orientation" (APA's executive summary, pg. 6), SOCE seeks to honor client self-determination. It is ironic that as society promotes self determination and autonomy, efforts to restrict the research and practice of SOCE actually discriminate against the self determination and autonomy of those with unwanted homosexual attractions. The Journal of Men's Studies should be commended for their integrity in publishing honest research regardless of popular political sentiment. Perhaps other journals and scholarly publications will follow suit.
Fact 4: The political correctness of the APAs and their loss of scientific objectivity.
Past APA President, Dr. Nicholas Cummings, testifying how the "APA is politically based rather than scientifically based" as well as "confirming the research that reports that change is possible."
"In a rousing address, American Psychological Association Past-President Dr. Nicholas Cummings shared his experience from his 60-year career as a psychologist and clinician. Dr. Cummings said that he has always been a champion of gay rights, and during his many years of leadership within the American Psychological Association, he influenced the organization to support many causes, including gay issues.
However, as a scientist, he began to have serious concerns over the direction the APA eventually was taking in becoming more influenced by politics than by science. He began to write extensively on the ways that the APA is politically based rather than scientifically based, describing one of his recent books, "Eleven Blunders that Cripple Psychotherapy in America" (Routledge, 2008).
He described his own experience in treating homosexuals for various issues, including men and women who were troubled with unwanted homosexual attractions. Dr. Cummings says he personally worked with homosexual clients who went on to marry and live heterosexual lives, confirming the research that reports that change is possible."
Dr. Jeffrey Satinover M.D., Ph.D in his book titled: Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth, expands upon how the APA was driven by politics, not science."
Excerpt from page 32:
"The APA (American Psychiatric Association) vote to normalize homosexuality was driven by politics, not science. Even sympathizers acknowledged this. Ronald Bayer was then a Fellow at the Hastings Institute in New York. He reported how in 1970 the leadership of a homosexual faction within the APA planned a "systematic effort to disrupt the annual meetings of the American Psychiatric Association."(3) They defended this method of "influence" on the grounds that the APA represented "psychiatry as a social institution" rather than a scientific body or professional guild."
APAs' political bias on reparative or change therapy is blatant. They cite no scientific studies of harm. Rather, they use terms such as "expressed concerns" "no scientifically adequate research to show that therapy is safe or effective." "it seems likely promotion of change therapies reinforces stereotypes."
Excerpt:
"All major national mental health organizations have officially expressed concerns about therapies promoted to modify sexual orientation. To date, there has been no scientifically adequate research to show that therapy aimed at changing sexual orientation (sometimes called reparative or conversion therapy) is safe or effective. Furthermore, it seems likely that the promotion of change therapies reinforces stereotypes and contributes to a negative climate for lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons."
Dr. A. Dean Byrd, Ph.D., MBA, MPH reviews a book titled: Destructive Trends in Mental Health: The Well-Intentioned Path to Harm. (Edited by Rogers H. Wright and Nicolas A. Cummings, 2005.) The book exemplifies how "The APA has chosen ideology over science."
Excerpt from the review:
"The authors condemn the APA for providing forums only for their preferred worldviews. They particularly note how psychology is undermined when APA makes resolutions and public policy statements on issues for which there is little or inadequate science. Such prostitution of psychology by activist groups within APA is contributing, they say, to the profession's demise as a scientific organization. "Psychology and mental health," Cummings says, "have veered away from scientific integrity and open inquiry, as well as from compassionate practice in which the welfare of the patient is paramount" (p. xiii).
Cummings and Wright note that "psychology, psychiatry, and social work have been captured by an ultraliberal agenda" (p. xiii) with which they personally agree regarding quite a few aspects, as private citizens. However, they express alarm at the damage that such an agenda is wreaking on psychology as a science and a practice, and the damage that is being done to the credibility of psychologists as professionals.
They reference a principle enunciated by former APA president Leona Tyler, where the advocacy of APA as an organization should be based upon "scientific data and demonstrable professional experience," (p. xiv) leaving individual psychologists or groups of psychologists to advocate as concerned, private citizens. But they decry the "agenda-driven ideologues" in APA who erode psychology as a science. As they note, "The APA has chosen ideology over science, and thus has diminished its influence on the decision-makers in our society" (p. xiv).
"Gay Activism in APA
The issue of homosexuality is illustrative of how political correctness and a narrow definition of diversity have dominated APA. Wright notes: In the current climate, it is inevitable that conflict arises among the various subgroups in the marketplace. For example, gay groups within the APA have repeatedly tried to persuade the association to adopt ethical standards that prohibit therapists from offering psychotherapeutic services designed to ameliorate gayness, on the basis that such efforts are unsuccessful and harmful to the consumer. Psychologists who do not agree with this premise are termed homophobic.
Such efforts are especially troubling because they abrogate the patient's right to choose the therapist and determine the therapeutic goals. They also deny the reality of data demonstrating that psychotherapy can be effective in changing sexual preferences in patients who have a desire to do so (pp. xxx).
"The author's view of the 1973 and 1974 decisions reclassifying homosexuality is worthy of quoting here:
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association yielded suddenly and completely to political pressure when in 1973 it removed homosexuality as a treatable aberrant condition. A political firestorm had been created by gay activists within psychiatry, with intense opposition to normalizing homosexuality coming from a few outspoken psychiatrists who were demonized and even threatened, rather than scientifically refuted.
Psychiatry's House of Delegates sidestepped the conflict by putting the matter to a vote of the membership, marking the first time in the history of healthcare that a diagnosis or lack of diagnosis was decided by popular vote rather than scientific evidence (p. 9).
The authors do not complain about what was done, but rather, how it was done. The co-author (Cummings) of the chapter not only agrees with the outcome, but in 1974 introduced the successful resolution declaring that homosexuality was not a psychiatric condition. However, the resolution carried with it a "proscription that appropriate and needed research would be conducted to substantiate these decisions." Cummings "watched with dismay as there was no effort on the part of APA to promote or even encourage such required research" (p. 9).
Unfortunately, both the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association had established precedents "forever that medical and psychological diagnoses are subject to political fiat" (p. 9). As a result, the authors note, "Diagnosis today in psychology and psychiatry is cluttered with politically correct verbiage, which seemingly has taken precedence over sound professional experience and scientific validation" (p. 9)."
http://narth.com/docs/destructive.html
(Source: The Torah Declaration: http://www.torahdec.org/FatAPA.aspx. Used with permission)
Wenn ihr keine Therapie für Homosexuelle anbietet, warum finden sich dann auch einschließliche Videos und anderes Material darüber auf eurer Homepage?
Wir sind für Freiheit. Gedankenfreiheit, Freiheit der Wissenschaft und vor allem Freiheit eines jeden Individuums, sich die Therapie seiner/ihrer Wahl zu suchen.
Wir lehnen eine diesbezügliche Einschränkung der Wissenschaft, der religiösen Glaubensfreiheit und der Entscheidungsfreiheit jedes Einzelnen ab.
Diese Zeiten hatten wir bereits - und sie haben nicht gut geendet.