Rapid Responses to:

LETTERS: Uche O Igbokwe Treating homosexuality as a sickness: Enlightenment is worrying BMJ 2004; 328: 955-b [Full text]

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Homophobia, not enlightenment

James S Dawson   (19 April 2004)

This letter is worrying

Petra Boynton   (20 April 2004)

Homophobia, not enlightenment 19 April 2004
James S Dawson, Senior House Officer, Critical Care Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham Send response to journal: Re: Homophobia, not enlightenment	Editor I read Igbokwe letter with disgust. He is clearly far from enlightened. To liken paedophilia with homosexuality is sickening. The undertones of this letter imply that the author is clearly homophobic, and also misbelieves that paedophiles are homosexuals. Homosexuality is an attraction towards the same sex, and homosexual 'acts' between same sex, ‘consenting’ individuals. Paedophilia is an illegal act, upon a minor, who cannot give consent by law, or is forced into the act. I am just pleased that Igbokwe chose histopathology as a career, as I would be horrified if he was able to inflict his bigoted views upon living patients. Competing interests: I am gay.
This letter is worrying 20 April 2004
Petra Boynton, Non Clinical Lecturer in International Health Care Research University College London Send response to journal: Re: This letter is worrying	Editor the publication of Igbokwe's letter is worrying. Whilst a debate around sexuality is positive (even if we do have to read misinformed and outdated views), it can serve to show both practitioners and the public that many GPs are still woefully ignorant about sexuality - and other issues too. However, to permit the publication of Igbokwe's letter, that equates paedophilia with homosexuality is distasteful. Such views not only show ignorance, but also contribute to homophobic abuse. I am saddened, but not surprised to see the level of homophobia and ignorance in Igbokwe's letters and elsewhere in the rapid responses to letters on this page. But I am disgusted that a medical journal should publish and by doing so endorse, a letter linking homosexuality and paedophilia. It is the job of health professionals to provide care for the public. That public will include people with different sexual orientations, views and beliefs. GPs should offer all patients equal care. You may not like what your patient represents, but you should be able to care for them and understand them all equally. There is no room for bigotry in health care, although sadly these letters have shown it is thriving within the NHS. Competing interests: None declared