Government Nears Completion on Anti-Muslim Hatred Definition

The government is advancing toward finalizing a definition of anti-Muslim hatred, notably omitting the term “Islamophobia.” This draft, crafted by the Islamophobia/Anti-Muslim Hatred working group, has been shared with various stakeholders for feedback.

Advocates for free speech have raised alarms, arguing that protections for the term “Islamophobia” might inhibit the ability to critique the religion itself. Members of the working group contend that their definition effectively safeguards individuals while preventing excessive interpretations.

Established in February, the working group was tasked with creating a definition for anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia. They presented their recommendations to the government in October, which will serve as a non-statutory guideline—meaning it will not carry legal weight, yet will be available for public bodies to adopt.

This definition aims to assist the government and related organizations in recognizing and addressing inappropriate behavior towards Muslims, ultimately enhancing their understanding of prejudice and hate crimes targeting this demographic.

Understanding the Proposed Definition

The proposed language defines anti-Muslim hostility as actions that promote or incite criminal behavior, including violence, property damage, and harassment—whether conveyed physically, verbally, in writing, or electronically—against Muslims or individuals perceived as such, based on their faith, ethnicity, or appearance.

Furthermore, it encompasses harmful stereotypes and the racialization of Muslims as a collective entity with fixed traits, intended to fuel animosity, regardless of the individuals’ actual beliefs or actions. The definition also addresses discriminatory practices aimed at disadvantaging Muslims in both public and economic spheres.

Debate and Discussion Within the Working Group

Last week, the working group convened to discuss potential revisions suggested by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government. One contentious point appears to be the inclusion of the term “racialization” in the proposed definition.

Baroness Gohir, a member of the working group, expressed that their submission strikes a proper balance by protecting individuals without overreaching. She added that the definition acknowledges that Muslims often face discrimination not only due to their beliefs but also their appearance, ethnicity, or other characteristics.

“Incorporating the aspect of racialization affirms these lived experiences,” she noted.

Concerns Regarding Free Speech

The Free Speech Union has voiced apprehensions that any definition of anti-Muslim hatred could potentially restrict free speech and inadvertently introduce a blasphemy law. Lord Toby Young, director of the campaign group, emphasized that the definition is redundant since stirring up religious hatred is already a criminal offense, and discrimination based on religion or belief is unlawful.

He warned that affording Muslims protections that are not available to other faiths could paradoxically heighten anti-Muslim sentiment rather than diminish it.

Dominic Grieve, former Attorney General and chair of the working group, firmly stated that the proposed language does not infringe upon the right to free speech. He remarked:

“The framework established by the working group ensures that no definition of anti-Muslim hatred will adversely affect freedom of expression, including the right to critique Islam and its practices.”

Government’s Commitment to Addressing Hate Crimes

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government refrained from commenting on leaks but emphasized their commitment to combatting hatred and extremism in all forms. They remarked, “With the rise in hate crimes, particularly those targeting Muslims, we are focused on addressing this issue comprehensively.”

Statistics indicate a 19% increase in religious hate crimes against Muslims over the past year, with notable spikes following the Southport murders and the subsequent riots last summer.

Labour previously pledged to establish a new definition of Islamophobia after a cross-party proposal was rejected by the last Conservative government in 2019. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims had described Islamophobia as “rooted in racism” and as a form of racism targeting expressions of Muslim identity.

However, critics argued that this definition was excessively vague and could stifle freedom of speech. The current draft under consideration by the government presents a departure from this earlier proposal, which was officially embraced by the Labour Party during its time in opposition.