Oppression by Scientific Method: The Use of Science to “Other” Sexual Minorities

James M. Mohr

doi:10.33972/jhs.57

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) civil rights have become a major focus of the legislative agenda of a variety of organizations in support of and in opposition to those rights. This growing interest in LGB civil rights can be seen through the increasing news reports and political discussions concerning marriage equality, the addition of sexual orientation as a protected class to hate crime laws and workplace nondiscrimination legislation, the elimination of the military’s “don’t ask don’t tell” policy, and the right of LGB people to adopt children. As these issues move to the forefront, different groups attempt to use scientific reports, studies, and perspectives as one way to promote their viewpoints.

Highlights

The use of science to justify prejudice, stereotypes, and hatred has not been limited to this explication of racial essences
The two organizations selected for analysis, Focus on the Family (FOF) and Family Research Institute (FRI), were chosen due to their active involvement in opposing pro-LGB legislation, supporting antiLGB legislation, and filing amicus briefs in support of or opposition to, depending on the purpose of the case, legal cases dealing with LGB rights
The sense of Otherness is created by using science to assist in creating five key dimensions of Othering. These areas include using scientific studies to generate fear, create a sense of disgust, provide a rationale for pity, demonstrate the changeable nature of sexual orientation, and create a heterosexual identity based on the superiority of heterosexuality which exists in opposition to a homosexual identity

Summary

Introduction

The use of science to justify prejudice, stereotypes, and hatred has not been limited to this explication of racial essences. This paper examines the rooting of science in heterosexist biases, its uses in anti-LGB discourses, and its role in the Othering process of LGB people. The growth of science as an important way of understanding the world, explaining scientific heterosexism, and defining the Othering process is examined in this study. It is important to note that this paper does not focus on the accuracy of the science used by anti-LGB organizations—only on how it is used and misused within an anti-LGB discourse. Gonsiorek, 1982; John C. Gonsiorek & Weinrich, 1991; Hooker, 1957; LeVay, 1997; Richardson, 1993; Schuklenk & Ristow, 1996). The use of science by anti-LGB organizations in these ways is less about deepening

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Conclusion