Once I heard that a religious person said homosexuality was like alcoholism.

I’m not exactly sure what that means, but I also once heard another religious person say that some religious people use the Bible like a drunk uses a lamppost — not for illumination purposes.

It seems there are all sorts of religious people who like to talk about either homosexuality or alcoholism, and so after hearing all sorts of talk about these subjects, I decided to chime in.

*Ding*

According to a person working for a counseling center here in Ames, there has been scientific evidence showing there is some genetic predisposition for alcoholism that can run in families.

Similarly, scientists have recently found new evidence suggesting that homosexuality in men comes from a gene inherited from mothers, according to an Associated Press story.

OK, so maybe it’s logical to say these two absurdly opposite things have certain minute similarities, but first of all and most importantly, how does alcoholism relate to homosexuality?

Well, obviously they are not related, which makes it mind boggling that someone would try to put these two opposites together.

It’s comparing apples and oranges, and not very intelligently at that.

There are some people who do not see their error, though. They will ask you the question, “If a person is genetically predisposed to alcoholism, does it make it right to be an alcoholic?”

And then you think, and soon decide, that it is probably not right for a person to consume alcohol, perhaps become drunk and later hurt friends and family and even strangers under any circumstance you can conjure up in your mind.

They will smile and continue.

Next, they ask you the question, “If a person is born with a genetic makeup that causes them to be homosexual, does that make it right for them to live that lifestyle?”

They will argue that just because you are born that way doesn’t mean you have to live that way, and even if you are genetically that way, it is in no way a justification. And now it is clear these people have crossed a fine line and need to be helpfully and lovingly steered in the right direction.

Homosexuality is an identity some people are born with, while alcoholism is a behavior people are not born with. One is an inherited trait you must be born with, and the other is an acquired behavior anyone can at one time or another attain.

It is dangerous to compare the two because doing so reinforces many of the negative stereotypes about homosexuality.

Alcoholics affirm that this disease interferes with their everyday lives and keeps them from living a full and enjoyable life at times.

Homosexuals on the other hand profess there is nothing wrong with the way they are born and have no problem living full lives due to their sexual orientation.

I believe that being queer doesn’t interfere with my life anymore than being heterosexual interferes with many straight people’s lives.

Perhaps it can be said that it is a little egocentric of heterosexuals to interpret the Bible as saying everyone ought to be born heterosexual.

But no matter what the Bible says, or what you can make it say, we are living in a country where the U.S. Constitution rules.

Humans are fools, they make mistakes and there are surely many people who have taken God’s words and changed their message. Look to the many organized religions across the world and see their sexism, racism and segregation and discover how many double standards prevail in them.

Perhaps that’s why there is such a pull in the religious community to help homosexuals overcome their sexual orientation. But is there a cure for homosexuality?

I doubt it, but if someone really wanted to overcome this aspect of their life, I’m sure they could make it seem that way. However, I think it would be sort of like dying your hair a different color.

You can change your outside appearance to the whole world, but you can’t mess with your genes.

This Thursday, The Salt Company, an ISU student religious organization, will be presenting a program titled “Coming Out… Into The Light” at 7 p.m. at Jocko’s Auto Parts, beside Taco Bell on Lincoln Way.

A man who was a practicing homosexual will talk about becoming a straight man and what helped him to decide to no longer practice that lifestyle. If you are interested in hearing his story, I urge you to attend and hear the other side.

Please keep in mind this is not a public forum, and don’t come if you want to air your opinion.

Aaron Barstow is a junior in journalism and is the wire editor of the Daily.