Just what the hell is “Homophobia”? Phobias are irrational fears of some condition or thing. We don't punish people for having arachnaphobia or agraphobia or any other phobia EXCEPT “homophobia”! They can't have it both ways - either it's a phobia, in which case homophobes must be tolerated since, by definition, it is not a conscious choice, or, it's a rational dislike of an unsanitary behaviour, in which case it IS a choice and should be respected, even if you disagree with it.

Homophobia is flippin’ nonsense
Now he’s really overstepped the mark! He must be a homophobe!

Well yes I am homophobic - in the true sense of the word. That is to say I am afraid of monotony and boredom as most of us probably are. That is what the word means – check it for yourself.

Homophobia: fear of monotony

However, as we’re all aware, homophobia has recently also come to mean fear of homosexuals; although the correct word for this should be homosexualphobia of course. Even if we take homophobia to mean homosexualphobia – what does this mean? We don’t really believe that anyone is actually afraid of homosexuals – do we? Furthermore, all other phobias – e.g. arachnaphobia, claustrophobia - are irrational fears that the person has no control over. If homophobia really is a phobia how is it that it is the only phobia we choose to denigrate and even criminalise?

However, as many dictionaries now espouse, homophobia is also incorrectly used to mean an irrational hatred or disapproval of homosexuality. What alarms me most is the ever increasing rate at which this latter definition is being used insidiously to condemn and even criminalise decent law-abiding citizens. What about those whose disapproval of homosexuality is not irrational but is based on God’s law?

A brief history:

Not so long ago the homosexual act between men (sodomy) was considered a crime – and it still is in 70 countries around the world. In a relatively short period the tables have completely turned in British law such that not only is sodomy no longer considered a crime but it is those who oppose it who are now being labelled as criminals!

c1400BC
God spoke to Moses saying, “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood [shall be] upon them.” (Leviticus 20:13)

c58
“…the men abandoned the natural function of the women and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.”(27) “Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.”(32) (Romans 1)

1533
Henry VIII introduces the first legislation in English law – the Buggary (sodomy) Act. The homosexual act is punishable by death.

1861
Death penalty lifted

1967
Sodomy decriminalised between 2 adult males. Age of consent 21.

2000
Age of consent reduced to 16

2003
Section 28 of the 1998 Local Government Act is repealed in England and Wales. (It had been introduced to prevent local authorities from actively promoting homosexuality). Homosexuality can now be promoted in schools and elsewhere.

2005
Dept. of Education & Skills promoted and helped fund the first ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual History Month’ for schools which encouraged schools to ‘celebrate’ homosexuality and the ‘gay’ community.

2007
Equality Act makes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation illegal.

Discrimination
The so-called ‘gay equality laws’ discriminate against those who for moral or religious reasons are opposed to the promotion of homosexual relationships. Since the inception of these laws there has been an endless stream of cases reported in the media;

These crazy laws - designed to protect the rights of homosexuals - are instead being used to victimise decent law-abiding citizens whose only crime is to refuse to actively promote homosexuality. How has this been allowed to happen? And how many more people's lives are going to be ruined by them?

The state of Britain
How did we get into this state of affairs?

According to an official poll for the office of National Statistics homosexuals comprise just 0.8% of the population (while the ‘gay’ community would have us believe that the number of homosexuals is much greater). And according to National Census data only 0.2% of UK households are 'same-sex'. Yet that tiny proportion of the population appears to wield a disproportionate amount of influence in our society. Why?

In 2000 a referendum was held in Scotland in which 87% of more than a million voters voted to keep Section 28. Nevertheless it was repealed just as it was 3 years later in England and Wales. Why? Aren’t we still living in a democracy?

Historically the laws of this Nation were based on Biblical principles - and I like to believe it's one of the things that made us a once great nation - but we're rapidly moving towards a more 'humanistic' society, pushing God to the sidelines and adopting an alternate moral code which increasingly conflicts with those of the world's major faiths. But whenever there is such a conflict it always seems to be those with a religious conviction who are forced to capitulate. Why is this? Whatever happened to tolerance? What happened to respecting others religious views? And what happened to this country's Christian foundations?

At least we still have the right to express our concern about such issues. But for how much longer I wonder....?