Specifically, the question at the soc.religion.mormon newsgroup to which I composed this responds said this:

>My question was this: There is evidence mounting to suggest that homosexuality

>is not a chosen trait. (Note: who would voluntarily choose something that is

>the complete oposite their natural biological drive? Also, why would they

>choose this "lifestyle" knowing they will be villified and discrimnated

>against?)

My answer was thus:

There is plenty of evidence to show that a tendency towards alcoholism is also a genetic trait. However, the church is not "tolerant" of alcoholics in the sense that their behavior is considered OK. Rather, that may be seen as a particular trial which the individual has to overcome.

In a very similar way, I believe that it is quite possible that a tendency towards homosexual attraction may be congenital. However, that does not excuse homosexual *behavior*, which the church obviously teaches is immoral.

For that matter, many people have very strong *heterosexual* inclinations. That does not make it OK for them to sleep around with people of the opposite sex.

We all have our crosses which we must bear.

Another part of the question was:

>If enough evidence mounts to sufficiently convince the general pubic that

>genetic reasons are behind homosexuality, then my question becomes obvious:

>Would the Mormon Church's view on homosexuality change? If it is shown that

>homosexuality is genetic, then they are no more to blame for their "affliction"

>than the person who is born with any congenital malady. Didn't Christ

>demonstrate a lesson by spending time with lepers?

>

>Since the evidence for gene-linked homosexuality is currently poorly

>understood, the anecdotal evidence is there. (Note: Homosexual behavior has

>been shown to exist in populations of many mammals. Are they making "lifestyle

>choices" too?)

I do not believe the Mormon Church will alter its views on this subject. Again, to my knowledge, the church does teach that homosexual attraction is not the sin, homosexual behavior is. I fail to see the connection with the lepers.

Many mammals have other behaviours which are considered to be immoral in humans. Obviously they do not have the same freedom of choice that humans do (although they may well have some freedom). Obviously humans do not copulate as dogs, losing all control whenever a female goes into heat.