Labour’s ‘Islamophobia’ definition contrary to equality law, Govt admits

Faith minister Lord Khan has admitted that the Labour Party’s controversial definition of Islamophobia is “not in line” with equality laws.

The definition that Labour adopted in 2019 states: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” There have been widespread concerns about its impact on free speech.

Now, Lord Khan has pledged that the Government would “never inhibit the lawful right to freedom of expression” when tackling ‘religious hatred’. A spokesperson said any new definition must be given “careful consideration”.

Widespread concern

The Minister was responding to warnings from the Network of Sikh Organisations (NSO) that: “Adoption of this contested definition into law would have serious implications on free speech, not least the ability to discuss historical truths.”

The National Secular Society also told the Government that the definition would “inflame, rather than dispel, community tensions and division”.

A former UK counter-terror chief, Neil Basu, has previously said it “risks shutting down debate” and could be used to undermine counter-terrorism laws.

One way

Last month, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced that the Government is “actively considering” its approach to ‘Islamophobia’.

In response, Christian Institute Director Ciarán Kelly expressed concern whether Christians could be caught under the broad definition if they state that “Islam is false” and “Jesus is the only way to God”.

But he noted that it is just one of series of recent Government proposals that threaten free speech and religious liberty.

These include repealing the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023; greater recording of so-called non-crime hate incidents; lowering the thresholds for what is considered ‘extremism’; and censoring legal online content deemed to be ‘legal but harmful’ to adults.

‘Blessings’

Mr Kelly urged Christians to be “at the vanguard of those advocating for the precious religious liberty and freedom of expression we enjoy to be maintained.

“They were hard-won down the years by believers. In many places around the world, our brothers and sisters can only long for such freedom. We must not take these great blessings for granted or treat them carelessly.”