The Government has established a new working group to produce a “working definition” of Anti-Muslim Hatred and Islamophobia. It will advise government on how best to understand, quantify and define prejudice, discrimination, and hate crime targeted against Muslims. It is to be chaired by Dominic Grieve KC, a former Conservative Attorney General. Commenting on his appointment, he said:
“We know Islamophobia is as challenging to define as its existence is undoubted. We need to balance addressing the lived experience of those who are victims of it and the right of British Muslims to feel heard and protected as equal citizens of our country, with the unwavering requirement to maintain freedom of thought and expression under law for all.
I welcome the Government’s decision to bring forward this needed work and 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.
Alongside drawing on their own expertise, members will engage widely to ensure the definition accounts for the variety of backgrounds and experiences of Muslim communities across the United Kingdom.
The group’s proposed definition will be non-statutory and will provide the Government and other relevant bodies with an understanding of unacceptable treatment and prejudice against Muslim communities.
The group’s proposed definition must be compatible with the unchanging right of British citizens to exercise freedom of speech and expression – which includes the right to criticise, express dislike of, or insult religions and/or the beliefs and practices of adherents” [emphasis added].
Comment
Reactions have not been entirely positive. Kevin Hollinrake, the shadow communities secretary was quoted by the Evening Standard as saying that an ”Islamophobia” definition risked “creating a chilling effect on free speech, legitimate and lawful debate and hindering criticism of Islamist extremism” and that “Anti-Muslim hatred” was a more appropriate term “as it reflects existing UK hate crime legislation”.
The fear in some quarters appears to be of the reintroduction of some kind of law against blasphemy by the back door.
How about ‘any criticism of Saudi Arabia will be taken to be islamophobic’? That should ring some bells.
I welcome Mr. Dominic Grieve KC’s appointment to the new working group to produce a “working definition” of anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia.
Islamophobia is a pervasive issue that continues to impact individuals and communities in the UK and around the world. In a 2021 podcast discussion, the topic of combating Islamophobia through justice was explored, shedding light on the various forms of discrimination and prejudice faced by Muslim individuals on a daily basis. The conversation highlighted the resistance to defining Islamophobia, with concerns raised by the Conservative government, the police, some on the left, and certain liberal individuals.
One of the main concerns raised by the Conservative government was the potential impact on their counter-terrorist legislation and preventive policy. The police expressed concerns about the impact on policing operations and surveillance, as well as the fear of being seen as Islamophobic. Some on the left were concerned that the term would inhibit criticism of conservative elements within the Muslim community, particularly in relation to the treatment of women. Additionally, certain liberal individuals, such as journalist Melanie Phillips, argued that the concept of Islamophobia is anti-Jew, further complicating the discussion.
The discussion also touched on the manifestation of Islamophobia on the streets, both physically and online. Hate crimes, assaults, and insults targeting Muslim individuals were highlighted as examples of the impact of Islamophobia in daily life. The media’s portrayal of Muslims as a group to be feared was also mentioned, along with the dissemination of fake stories and hate speech within political parties.
The conversation then turned to the concept of Orientalism and its impact on Muslim individuals and communities. By highlighting the impact of Orientalism on families and friends who happen to be Muslims, there is an opportunity to cultivate a serious interest in prioritising justice over short-term popularity. By challenging fixed narratives, amplifying diverse voices, and advocating for policy reform, we can work towards combating Islamophobia and creating a more just and equitable society.
In conclusion, it is essential for individuals and communities to recognise and combat anti-Muslim prejudice in order to create a more just and equitable society. By challenging fixed narratives, amplifying diverse voices, and advocating for policy reform, we can work towards a future where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. It is up to each of us to stand in solidarity against Islamophobia and all forms of discrimination and to work towards a more inclusive and tolerant society for all.
To listen to the full episode, visit https://thekamugasachallenge.com/muslim-body/.