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It is intended to portray opposition to the [[homosexual agenda]] as irrational based on fear or hatred.
It is intended to portray opposition to the [[homosexual agenda]] as irrational based on fear or hatred.
The term is misused by [[gay activist]]s and apologists to smear Christians and others who do not sanction homosexuality on Biblical grounds.
The term is misused by [[gay activist]]s and apologists to smear Christians and others who do not sanction homosexuality on Biblical grounds.
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]]).
== Homophobia as an "Irrational Fear" ==
== Homophobia as an "Irrational Fear" ==
The term 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 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 suffix "phobia" <ref>Psychologists do not recognize it as a phobia in any generally recognized publication like the DSM IV.</ref> suggests an irrational fear, but it is most often used as a attack term by [[gay rights]] groups to suggest that 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> Dr. Sander J. Breiner of NARTH has observed,
The suffix "phobia" <ref>Psychologists do not recognize it as a phobia in any generally recognized publication like the DSM IV.</ref> suggests an irrational fear, but it is most often used as a attack term by [[gay rights]] groups to suggest that 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> Dr. Sander J. Breiner of NARTH has observed,