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July 09, 2002

Homophobia Not a Phobia?

So says this report from Focus on the Family. A University of Arkansas study has found that it doesn't qualify as a true phobia since its basis is rooted in contempt and disgust, rather than actual fear.

Errr.... duh?

It took a study to figure this out? Did anyone actually think that homophobia was anything more than a label for mindless anti-gay bigots? These researchers could have picked up a dictionary to make this astounding discovery. Our tax dollars at work - woo!

Of course, Focus on the Family is upset that the study further concluded that homophobia, like racism, might lead to violent behavior. Peter Sprigg, of the Family Research Council, had these sage words:

"We wouldn't say it's like racism, either, because racism is an irrational prejudice, whereas we think there's certainly good reason for thinking homosexual behavior is something undesirable."

Apparently their brand of family research involves peeking into the bedrooms of consenting adults and shaking a finger at them - perfectly rational! - and at the extreme end their beliefs lead to tying someone up to a fence post, beating them senseless, and leaving them there to die. Evil portraying itself as the voice of reason and compassion - such is Focus on the Family.