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The term '''homophobia''' is an offensive and derogatory term that was invented to further the [[homosexual agenda]].  <Ref>[http://www.narth.com/docs/creates.html Gay Psychologist Creates New Terms for Use in the Social Debate]. </ref>  Newer terms are being invented because homophobia is too closely linked with concepts of fear or psychopathology.  "Sexual prejudice," "sexual stigma," and "heterosexism" are the buzzwords today.

The term '''homophobia''' is an offensive and derogatory term[[fact]] that is sometimes used to describe an aversion to or rejection of homosexuality.  The debate centers over whether homophobia is a pejorative that needs to be criminalized or a mental disorder that is treatable with therapy{{fact}}.

== Homophobia as an "Irrational Fear" ==

== Homophobia as Clinical==

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 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>  While phobias are recognized as treatable disorders, the term has often been misapplied in a 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 Therapy on Homosexuality, 2003.</ref>  

: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. " <ref>[http://www.narth.com/docs/coll-breiner.html HOMOPHOBIA: A Scientific Non-Political Definition], Dr. Sander J. Breiner, National Association for Research and Therapy on Homosexuality, 2003.</ref>

 

: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 concluded,

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 concluded,

[[Category:Politics]]

[[Category:Politics]]