Given the sectarianism and racism all too evident in Northern Ireland, perhaps we should not be surprised at the level of homophobia experienced by gay people.
A report by the Institute for Conflict Research has found that 82% of gay people had suffered verbal or physical harassment, while more than half of those questioned had been subjected to violence.
According to the report, homophobia is regarded by many people as "a respectable and acceptable prejudice", an attitude which should cause widespread dismay.
It must also be remembered that this kind of intolerance is extremely dangerous and can cost lives.
More needs to be done to counteract the prejudice experienced by gay people.
Discrimination or harassment based on someone's sexual orientation should be no more acceptable than similarly corrosive attitudes towards race, religion or gender.
