The discussion in the last section of whether homosexual orientation is a basic human identity relates to another objection, the answer to which may be inferred from the structure of arguments until this point. Some people on both sides of this debate are concerned with whether same-sex attractions are innate - and therefore, some theists conclude, intended by God - or merely a result of outside factors.117 If homosexual desire is innate, they suppose, then same-sex unions should be legally recognized. After all, how could anything natural or intended by God be an impediment to a good such as marriage?
We do not pretend to know the genesis of same-sex attraction, but we consider it ultimately irrelevant to this debate. On this point, we agree with same-sex marriage advocate Professor John Corvino:
The fact is that there are plenty of genetically influenced traits that are nevertheless undesirable. Alcoholism may have a genetic basis, but it doesnt follow that alcoholics ought to drink excessively. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to violence, but they have no more right to attack their neighbors than anyone else. Persons with such tendencies cannot say "God made me this way" as an excuse for acting on their dispositions.118
Neither we nor Professor Corvino mean to equate same-sex attraction with diseases like alcoholism or injustices like violence against one's neighbor. The point is simply that whether same-sex unions can be marriages has nothing to do with what causes homosexual desire. Surely the fact that something is natural in the sense that it isn't caused by human choice proves nothing: Disabilities or pressing special obligations can be natural in that sense, and yet they may prevent some people from getting married.
Similarly, if we discovered (plausibly) a genetic basis for male desire for multiple partners, that would not be an argument for polygamy; and if we discovered (implausibly) that no sexual desire had a genetic basis, that would not be an argument against marriage in general. There is simply no logical connection between the origin of same-sex desire and the possibility of same-sex marriage.
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E. Doesn't Traditional Marriage Law...
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