Rome, Italy: The Lexicon–An Italian Dictionary of Homophobia Spurs Gay Activism

ABSTRACT The Lexicon, published in Italy under the auspices of the Papal Council for the Family, provides a dictionary of terms (such as gender, homosexuality, and homophobia) that the Vatican has found problematic in their use. This essay discusses implications as well as the consequences if the Lexicon is adopted as a reference textbook by educators or used in parochial and public schools and details Italian activists'challenge to its use and sale. The authors conclude by raising questions on the freedom of speech and the role of education and educators in reducing prejudice and encouraging greater tolerance.