More on treating homosexuality as a sickness

Editor—The publication of Igbokwe's letter equating paedophilia with homosexuality in the debate on treating homosexuality as a sickness is worrying.¹ Although a debate on sexuality is positive (even if we do have to read misinformed and outdated views), it can serve to show both practitioners and the public that many general practitioners are still woefully ignorant about sexuality—and other issues too. However, to permit the publication of Igbokwe's letter is distasteful.

Such views not only show ignorance but also contribute to homophobic abuse. I am saddened, but not surprised, to see the extent of homophobia and ignorance in Igbokwe's letter and elsewhere in this debate. But I am disgusted that a medical journal should publish and by doing so endorse, a letter linking homosexuality and paedophilia.

The job of health professionals is to provide care for the public. That public will include people with different sexual orientations, views, and beliefs. General practitioners 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 this correspondence has shown that it is thriving in the NHS.