The pathetic and predictable uproar over a comment by comedian Ricky Gervais—that was condemned as ‘transphobic’ by the usual mob of leftist ideologues—is dissected by the good doctor at City Journal.

A question of truth—whether a transsexual woman is in no respect inherently different from a biological female—is transformed into a question of loyalty to a new doctrine, nonacceptance of which in its totality being taken by the right-thinking as a mark of bad or evil character and intent, such that he or she who fails to accept it should be excommunicated by all decent people, discriminated against, and denied employment.

We wish all of Theodore Dalrymple’s fans a Happy New Year filled with joy, peace, good health, and a whole lot less transphilia.