Psychol Rep. 1995 Apr;76(2):611-21. Related Articles, Links


Does incest cause homosexuality?

Cameron P, Cameron K.

Family Research Institute, Washington, DC 20013, USA.

A random sample of 5,182 adults from 6 U.S. metropolitan areas were
questioned about incestuous sexual relationships during childhood. Incest
was disproportionately reported by both male and female bisexuals and
homosexuals. 148 gays (7.7% of the sample) reported 14 (50%) of same-sex,
and 7 (22%) of opposite-sex incestuous experiences, and 20 (69%) of same-sex
and 2 (3%) of opposite-sex sexual experiences with other relatives. 88
lesbians (3% of the sample) reported 2 (33%) of same-sex incest and 7 (9%)
of opposite-sex incest and 1 (17%) of same-sex and 10 (13%) of opposite-sex
sexual experiences with other relatives. 12% of 98 male homosexuals vs 0.8%
of 1,224 male heterosexuals with a brother reported brother-brother incest.
These findings are consonant with those of other studies in which
disproportionately more incest by homosexuals was reported. As opposed to an
evolutionary genetic hypothesis, these data support the alternative that
homosexuality may be learned, since homosexuals do not produce children at
sustainable levels and the incidence of homosexuality varies as a function
of various social factors. Incest cannot be excluded as a significant basis
for homosexuality.