That's a point which should be raised at the bishops' conference. It's an extraordinary penalty generally and historically reserved for the most severe expressions of evil (sacrilege, abortion, sorcery,etc.). The bishop can inform the individual personally and can instruct their pastor as well that they should refrain from Holy Communion as long as they persist in their opposition to church teaching. If they are a practicing homosexual or lesbian, they are not in good standing and this applies anyway. And quite obviously this applies to any priest who is also a practicing homosexual. There's a good case to be made that someone with strong homosexual tendencies just simply could not be entrusted with administering sacraments. A practicing lesbian is not a Catholic in good standing. That's just common sense. She's a Catholic in name only (like Ted Kennedy).
I believe the Church sees it as "tough love". Sort of a last ditch effort to bring the dead back to life. I personally believe that Bishops/Priests/Deacons are a priority, as well as theologians and lay and clerical groups. These are entities that can really wreak havoc on the laity.