Recent headlines declared, “Scientists discover genetic underpinnings of bisexuality.” A study by two men at the University of Michigan explored the connection between same sex behavior, bisexual behavior and number of children. The study did not seek to find a genetic basis for sexual behavior. The authors were examining how genes controlling same sex behavior are passed on in a population. Since same sex behavior is notoriously inefficient at producing offspring how is it passed from one generation to the next?

The study relied upon the United Kingdom Biobank which combines genetic sequencing with a wide array of other data and allows researchers to trace connections between genes and outcomes. The study compared over 450,000 individual genomes with the donor’s answers to survey questions regarding sexual behavior, offspring and risk-taking. In doing so they found a correlation between a specific set genes, male risk taking and male bisexual behavior. In other words, males possessing a particular set of genes showed a greater tendency towards risk-taking and/or bisexuality.

This study did not prove a person is genetically predetermined toward a particular sexual orientation. Rather, it presupposed genetic influences upon sexual behavior and acknowledged the affect of other factors upon sexual behavior. The authors did not address sexual orientation or sexual identity. They did not assert that any specific genes produced any specific sexual behavior. The study did show a link between a certain set of genes, bisexual behavior, risk taking and number of children.

One interpretation of the presence of certain genes in those who engage in bisexual behavior is that the genes play an important role in the person’s sexuality. The fact that the genes associated with bisexuality are also associated with risk taking suggests an alternative explanation. The genes in question could be less about sexuality and more about risk aversion or thrill seeking. More research is required to determine the most accurate explanation of the function of those genes.

Scientists did not discover a previously unknown genetic basis for bisexuality. The study presupposed such a link and showed a strong connection between bisexuality, risk taking and a specific set of genes. Even if in the future a determinative link is shown to exist between sexual behavior and a specific portion of the human genome such a genetic correlation will remain unable to speak to the morality of sexual orientation, behavior or desire.

Only the Creator has the authority to determine if something is moral or immoral. Genetics may result in an individual having a natural bent towards a particular sin, participation in that sin is never justified because of a natural inclination towards it. The Bible consistently shows that man’s bent toward sin is proof of moral corruption. Desire is not an extenuating circumstance but an aggravation of the offense. God’s Word remains true and clear in its condemnation of all forms of sexual activity outside the bounds of heterosexual marriage.