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== Homophobia as an "Irrational Fear" ==
== Homophobia as an "Irrational Fear" ==
The suffix "phobia" suggests an irrational fear, but that is not how the term is used.<ref>Psychologists do not recognize it as a phobia in any generally recognized publication like the DSM IV.</ref> The term is used by [[gay rights]] groups to suggest that all opposition to [[homosexuality]] is irrational and hateful.<ref>Eg, this site [http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_phob.htm] first defines homophobia as a dread or fear, but says that it includes those who write their Congressmen to oppose same-sex marriage.</ref> The term is often misapplied in a non-scientific, social and political context to further the [[homosexual agenda]].
The suffix "phobia" suggests an irrational fear, but that is not how the term is used.<ref> Psychologists do not recognize it as a phobia in any generally recognized publication like the DSM IV.</ref> The term is used by [[gay rights]] groups to suggest that all opposition to [[homosexuality]] is irrational and hateful.<ref>Eg, this site [http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_phob.htm] first defines homophobia as a dread or fear, but says that it includes those who write their Congressmen to oppose same-sex marriage.</ref> They claim that the term is often misapplied in a non-scientific, social and political context to further the [[homosexual agenda]]. <ref>[http://www.narth.com/docs/coll-breiner.html HOMOPHOBIA: A Scientific Non-Political Definition], Dr. Sander J. Breiner, National Association for Research and Theraphy on Homosexuality, 2003.</ref>
William O'Donohue and Christine E. Caselles <ref>William O'Donohue and Christine E. Caselles, [http://www.springerlink.com/content/n0264m864t146585/ Homophobia: Conceptual, definitional, and value issues], Journal Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, Volume 15, Number 3, Springer Netherlands, September, 1993. ISSN 0882-2689</ref> have concluded, "the construct of homophobia, as it is usually used, makes an illegitimately [[pejorative]] evaluation of certain open and debatable value positions".
Dr. Sander J. Breiner describes homophobia such,
:There is no personal, internal, institutional, or cultural homophobia. The terms do not exist in the recognized scientific literature...There is only one homophobia, which has been properly defined....There is no doubt that homophobia exists. There is also no doubt that there are rationalized and irrational anti-homosexual attitudes. However, it would be very valuable for society in general, and therapists in particular, to have a clear picture of homophobia separated from all the other topics that have been lumped under that rubric. "
William O'Donohue and Christine E. Caselles <ref>William O'Donohue and Christine E. Caselles, [http://www.springerlink.com/content/n0264m864t146585/ Homophobia: Conceptual, definitional, and value issues], Journal Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, Volume 15, Number 3, Springer Netherlands, September, 1993. ISSN 0882-2689</ref> have concluded based upon research within the therapeutic community a clear understanding of the disorder has not been adequately evaluated and it is not clear whether the disorder can can be accurately characterized. They have conluded,
:"the construct of homophobia, as it is usually used, makes an illegitimately [[pejorative]] evaluation of certain open and debatable value positions, much like the former disease construct of homosexuality."
== Homophobia as Discrimination ==
The liberal characterization of "homophobia," though, is less a characterization of a mental ill, or an irrational fear, as these commentators allege. Rather, the use of the term "homophobia" is meant to convey disgust at any discrimination or status-based animus at all. "Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation" is an appropriate synonym in this perspective.<ref>see [[Lawrence v. Texas]] or [[Romer v. Evans]] for judicial authority on all discriminatory animus against homosexuals being wrong, or the [http://www.hrc.org Human Rights Campaign].</ref>
== References ==
== References ==