Fears over restrictive ‘Islamophobia’ definition grow

A decision on an official definition of Islamophobia – which it is feared could hinder free speech – is being awaited by Christians and other concerned groups.

Earlier this year, the government set up a Working Group to produce an “official definition” of the word. A short consultation period has ended, and a decision is expected by the end of September.

Both the composition of the group and the process it is following have been heavily criticised by organisations including Christian Concern, the Christian Institute, the National Secular Society and numerous individuals.

They fear that such a new definition, if given official status, could be used to shut down legitimate criticism of Islam.

The Christian Institute said: “A new term risks confusing criticism of Islam as a religion – a democratic right – with hostility to Muslims as people. This confusion is most explicit with the term Islamophobia.”

There is particular concern that the government’s new definition could effectively define Islam as a “race” as well as a religion. A 2018 definition from an All- Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) already defines Islamophobia as “a type of racism targeting expressions of Muslimness”.

The Christian Institute says: “Formally embracing a concept of ‘cultural racism’ risks threatening the freedom to criticise aspects of Islamic culture. A member of an organisation that has signed up to this kind of definition could be disciplined for Islamophobia if they criticise mandatory female head coverings or suggest that UK law is preferable to Sharia Law.

“Free speech protections are afforded for discussion and criticism of religion under section 29J of the Public Order Act, which do not apply to race. If defined as a race, Islam could therefore receive special protection from criticism, thereby undermining healthy debate and democratic discussion.”

Writing on Christian Concern’s website, Tim Dieppe, Head of Public Policy, said: “The terms of reference of this Working Group discriminate against Christians both by privileging Islam over all other religions and by saying that the Group is only required to take into account the views of British Muslims.

“The terms of reference also allow the Group to operate in secret and state that: ‘All advice provided by the Group will be private for Ministers and will not be made public.’ This is highly unusual and contrary to open government.”

Stephen Evans, the Chief Executive of the National Secular Society, told The Times: “Anti-Muslim bigotry is a genuine issue which threatens the rights and wellbeing of individuals, as well as wider community cohesion. However, attempting to protect Muslims by using an ‘Islamophobia’ definition is likely to fail, and may even have the opposite effect.

“Such a definition could fuel fears around ‘two-tier justice’ … It could also hinder free speech around Islam, including the ability to criticise aspects of Islam which may cause harm.”