The new Government working group to define so-called Islamophobia must not limit free speech, critics warn.
The group has been set up by the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, and will be chaired by Dominic Grieve KC. It has been given six months to agree suitable wording.
The definition currently adopted by the Labour party says “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness” and has been heavily criticised for being too broad.
‘Two-tier approach’
In her announcement, Rayner claimed the new group was necessary to address a “rise in anti-Muslim hate crime”.
Admitting that ‘Islamophobia’ would be “challenging to define”, Dominic Grieve said there was a need to balance protecting individuals “with the unwavering requirement to maintain freedom of thought and expression under law for all”.
He added: “I am hopeful that this commission will come up with principles in defining Islamophobia which are compatible with those requirements and can thus help support positive change in our country”.The Government risks enshrining a two-tier approach to free speech
However, Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick warned: “The Government risks enshrining a two-tier approach to free speech, with Islam immune from criticism or mockery”.
‘Division and mistrust’
Khalid Mahmood, former Shadow Defence Minister, said an Islamophobia definition “will do nothing to create a society where everyone feels safe and welcome, but rather lead to even more division and mistrust”.
“The term Islamophobia has been weaponised by some of the most controversial groups which all have a degree of affiliation to Muslim Brotherhood and are trying to exert power and influence within British Muslim communities.”The Government risks enshrining a two-tier approach to free speech
Haras Rafiq, a co-author of the national counter extremism strategy, Prevent, agreed: “Introducing a broad, non-legally binding definition risks creating a chilling effect on free speech that could lead to confusion about what someone can and cannot say in our liberal democracy”.
He warned: “There is a real danger that this term could be weaponised to silence legitimate debate, including discussions about Islamist extremism, which poses a threat to both Muslims and wider society”.
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