Biological Determinism and LGBT Tolerance: A Quantitative Exploration of Biopolitical Beliefs (Esbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Persons) (Report‪)‬

Introduction What factors influence public opinion on the question of how sexual orientation is determined, and why do such opinions matter? Igniting the politics of the nature-nurture debate, scientific research into the biological origins of sexual orientation experienced a dramatic increase in the late twentieth century. As many biologists found evidence to support the idea that sexual orientation is born and not bred, social science researchers did their part to assess the social and political consequences of such findings. This academic debate did not go unnoticed by mainstream media, and as such the issue of sexual orientation's determinants entered into the public discourse.