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| | The term was invented to impugn and slander opponents of [[homosexuality]]. | | The term was invented to impugn and slander opponents of [[homosexuality]]. |
| | <ref>[http://www.narth.com/docs/creates.html Gay Psychologist Creates New Terms for Use in the Social Debate] </ref> | | <ref>[http://www.narth.com/docs/creates.html Gay Psychologist Creates New Terms for Use in the Social Debate] </ref> |
| − | It is primarily used by [[gay activist]]s to portray opposition to the [[homosexual agenda]] as irrational based on fear or hatred, and to smear Christians and others. It is intended to sound like a form of [[mental illness]], but unlike actual phobias, it is not a term for any recognized psychological condition. The National Association for Research & Therapy on Homosexuality (NARTH) says, | + | It is primarily used by [[gay activist]]s to portray opposition to the [[homosexual agenda]] as irrational <ref>Charles W. Socarides, M.D., [http://www.leaderu.com/jhs/socarides.html How America Went Gay], ''America'', (November 18, 1995). </ref> |
| | + | based on fear or hatred, and to smear Christians and others. It is intended to sound like a form of [[mental illness]], but unlike actual phobias, it is not a term for any recognized psychological condition. The National Association for Research & Therapy on Homosexuality (NARTH) says, |
| | :"The term "homophobia" is often used inaccurately to describe any person who objects to homosexual behavior on either moral, psychological or medical grounds. Technically, however, the terms actually denotes a person who has a phobia—or irrational fear—of homosexuality. Principled disagreement, therefore, cannot be labeled "homophobia." <ref>[http://www.narth.com/menus/positionstatements.html NARTH Position Statements]</ref> | | :"The term "homophobia" is often used inaccurately to describe any person who objects to homosexual behavior on either moral, psychological or medical grounds. Technically, however, the terms actually denotes a person who has a phobia—or irrational fear—of homosexuality. Principled disagreement, therefore, cannot be labeled "homophobia." <ref>[http://www.narth.com/menus/positionstatements.html NARTH Position Statements]</ref> |
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| − | When used in this [[pejorative]] sense, the term is offensive and derogatory (see [[Mockery]]). | + | When used in this [[pejorative]] sense, the term is offensive and derogatory (see [[Mockery]]). |
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| | ==Etymology== | | ==Etymology== |