Mad Science Converts Gay Sheep

Scientists are conducting experiments to change the sexuality of "gay" sheep in a program that critics fear could pave the way for breeding out homosexuality in humans, Timesonline.co.uk reports.

Researchers at Oregon State University in the city of Corvallis and at the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland are developing a technique that adjusts the hormonal balance in the brains of homosexual rams so that they are more inclined to mate with ewes.

The research may lead to women one day being offered a "treatment" to reduce or eliminate the chance that their offspring will be homosexual. Some researches say the procedure may be as simple as a hormone supplement given to pregnant women.

The studies have caused an outcry among scientists and gay rights campaigners like lesbian tennis icon Martina Navratilova, who has called for the project to be abandoned.

Navratilova defended the "right" of sheep to be gay. She said: "How can it be that in the year 2006 a major university would host such homophobic and cruel experiments?" She said gay men and lesbians would be "deeply offended" by the social implications of the tests.

Approximately one ram in 10 prefers to mount other rams rather than mate with ewes, reducing its value to a farmer. Initially, the publicly funded project aimed to improve the productivity of herds.

Professor Charles Roselli, the biologist leading the research, defends the project: "In general, sexuality has been under-studied because of political concerns. People don’t want science looking into what determines sexuality.

"It’s a touchy issue. In fact, several studies have shown that people who believe homosexuality is biologically based are less homophobic than people who think that this orientation is acquired."

Roselli has said he would be "uncomfortable" about parents choosing sexuality, but argues that it is up to policy makers to legislate on questions of ethics.