Latest Paul Cameron Study Targets Canadian Gay Statistics

In a new research study by Dr. Paul Cameron, chairman of the Family Research Institute, and his son Kirk, demographic information provided by a 2003 Canadian community survey was used to estimate the prevalence of homosexuality in the general population and to make inferences about gay mortality.  Based on the sample of 121,300 adults, the Camerons concluded that only 2 per cent of 18 to 44 year old respondents described themselves as homosexual with the percentage dropping to less than 1 per cent of respondents over 60.  While admitting that the overall 1.4% figure can not be regarded as the "bedrock truth",  Paul and Kirk Cameron accused the Canadian government of distorting the data by not reporting on homosexual activity in respondents over the age of 60 thereby increasing the "homosexual footprint".   They accuse governments around the world of "covering up" the early mortality of homosexuals and draw on their own research despite the controversy that has surrounded their methodology and findings.

While the true prevalence of homosexuality in modern society remains a politically charged question,  using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey for a purpose for which it was never designed can only add further distortion to an already murky issue.   The survey was designed to examine a range of health-related questions in Canadian residents through a series of face-to-face interviews across the country.  In the words of the survey researchers, the survey was developed to "provide regular and timely cross-sectional estimates of health determinants, health status and health system utilization for 136 health regions across the country ".  There was no sinister intent in the survey and artificially inflating the "homosexual footprint" was not part of its stated goal. 

It would be best if Paul Cameron looked elsewhere for material on which to base his diatribes.  The full Cameron study can be read here.