Questions of the ability to change sexual orientation are often mired in a debate over the biology, genetics and psychology that may or may not lead to sexual orientation. Dr. Joan Roughgarden told the PFLAG audience that more than 300 vertebrate species have been found to practice homosexuality.

She said her research suggests that, if homosexuality is biologically or genetically formed, it is not a Darwinian maladaptation but just one of many different ways living beings form relationships and communicate affection.

But Murphy said that, to some extent, questions about why some people are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender are moot, especially since it's likely different for everyone.

"Questions about the social standing of homosexual men and women are more important than discussions of the development of sexual orientation," he said.

The PFLAG conference hits Salt Lake City just before Utahns are set to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment that would define marriage as being strictly between a man and a woman. Organizers say they did not plan the conference in Utah because of the proposed amendment.

Still, the amendment has come up at the conference. At Saturday's panel, Roughgarden said gender-based definitions of marriage put governments in tricky spots. As an example, she said estimates suggest that as many as one in 500 people are born "intersex," meaning genetically or physically they are neither male nor female. If Virginia certifies someone with XXY chromosomes male, will such a man's marriage to a woman be recognized in Maryland, which may define "male" differently?

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E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com