And while we’re mentioning semantic issues, let me point out that the neologism “homophobia” is not so much a word as a political agenda. In psychiatry, a phobia is defined as an irrational fear. I have yet to meet anyone who has an irrational fear of homosexuals, or of homosexuality. So to the extent that the word has any meaning at all, it describes something which simply does not exist.

The meaning of words is where consensus defines correctness. As far as I know, “homophobia” is understood by most people to mean “prejudice/discrimination against homosexuals”. Therefore amateur etymologists / psychiatrists such as Roger Helmet might like to stick their heads back up their arses* and think again.

“Homophobia” is merely a propaganda device designed to denigrate and stigmatise those holding conventional opinions, which have been held by most people through most of recorded history. It is frightening evidence of the way in which political correctness is threatening our freedom.

Homophobia might have been wrongly used in the same way that “racist” has been on occasion. But homophobia – prejudice/discrimination against homosexuals – is nevertheless very real. I have encountered a number of people who hate, despise, and even fear homosexuals, from claiming that homosexuals are in some way inferior to heterosexuals, to the extent of calling for homosexuals to be assaulted, burned alive, and murdered. Perhaps Helmer should ask his colleagues whom he believes to be homosexual whether they have ever in their lives experienced prejudice, discrimination, or even assault, because of their sexuality. I am willing to bet a few quid that they have.

* and if that’s their sexual preference, that’s ok.

Just as xenophobia is used in the wrong manner. It means fear of Johnny Foreigner not hatred of.

But then to move on from the semantic to the denial that hatred of homosexuals or homosexuality exists is a piece of pendantry that’s too far even for me.

However much I might wish that when the word homophobia was coined they’d actually bothered to use a dictionary.

*This will of course fall foul of Muphry’s Law in some manner.

But if they’re giong to engage in homophobic acts, can they at least do it in private behind closed doors? I don’t want to see that in public. Children might be watching.

I’m not quite sure what he’s trying to say. Either he believes that no-one fears homosexuality (which is clearly wrong), or he believes that fearing homosexuality is entirely rational (which is clearly wrong).

As any Greek scholar knows, if homophobia could literally be translated it would mean fear of things that are the same (whereas ironically enough, this tory toolbox fears people who are different to him).

N.B. I am not a Greek scholar.