Government policy now targeting 'homophobia'

"Furthermore, the policy laments, 'It is still possible to hear people say that homosexuality is an illness, morally wrong or a form of deviant behavior, and that people choose their sexual orientation. These beliefs, often instilled in the past, tend to marginalize sexual minority groups and prevent full recognition of their social equality.'

Such 'prejudice,' the policy affirms, must be combated.

And while the word 'church' is never explicitly mentioned in the policy, it does declare it important to publicize the most 'insidious' forms of homophobia with a plan to 'target the various locations in which homophobic attitudes and behavior patterns, as well as heterosexist stereotypes, are found.'

The policy also warns, 'It will be necessary to deal with the heterosexist values on which some institutional practices are founded.'"