UK Religious Groups Unite Against Proposed Islamophobia Definition
In a significant development, a coalition of religious organizations representing Sikh, Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities in the United Kingdom has formally called upon the government to abandon its proposed definition of Islamophobia. The groups have addressed a joint letter to Communities Secretary Steve Reed, expressing serious concerns that the definition would have a chilling effect on free speech and create unequal treatment under the law.
Background of the Government Initiative
The UK government established a dedicated working group in February 2025 with the objective of developing a comprehensive definition of Islamophobia. This initiative was intended to provide governmental bodies with a clearer understanding of prejudice specifically targeting Muslim communities across Britain. The working group completed its deliberations and submitted its formal proposal to the government in October of the same year.
It is important to note that this definition, which has not yet been officially published, is not intended to be enshrined in law. Instead, the government plans for it to be widely adopted and implemented across various public sector organizations as a guideline for identifying and addressing anti-Muslim sentiment.
Concerns Over Vague Language and Free Speech
The letter, which has been signed by prominent organizations including the Hindu Council UK, the Network of Sikh Organisations, Christian Concern, and Muslims Against Antisemitism alongside Faith Matters, raises alarm about the language used in the leaked definition. The coalition argues that the wording is "so vague that it is open to misuse by those who seek to limit freedom of speech."
The religious groups provide specific examples of how legitimate public debates could be inadvertently captured under this broad definition. They highlight that criticism of halal slaughter practices, discussions on gender segregation, or debates about face coverings—all matters of legitimate public interest—could potentially be classified as Islamophobic under the proposed terms. This, they warn, would inevitably lead to a suppression of open dialogue and robust debate on important social issues.
Call for Equal Application of Existing Laws
The coalition's letter makes a compelling case for consistency in legal application rather than special measures. "British Muslims, and the public at large, would be better served by consistent application of existing laws which treat everyone equally, not by special measures which elevate one group in society above others," the letter states emphatically. The signatories urge Secretary Reed to completely abandon the current proposal, advocating instead for the uniform enforcement of laws that already criminalize harassment, intimidation, and hate crimes.
The leaked definition itself describes anti-Muslim hostility as engaging in or encouraging criminal acts, harassment, and intimidation—whether physical, verbal, written, or electronically communicated—that targets Muslims or those perceived to be Muslims. It also includes prejudicial stereotyping and racialization of Muslims as a collective group with fixed characteristics to stir up hatred, regardless of their individual opinions, along with engaging in prohibited discrimination.
Questioning the Racialization of Religion
An important theological and sociological point raised in the letter challenges the fundamental premise of racializing a religious identity. "As you will be aware, Muslims are not a racial group. Islam is a global religion whose adherents come from a wide range of different races. This basic fact cannot be changed by government decree," the coalition asserts. They argue that treating Islam as a racial category is conceptually flawed and could lead to problematic legal and social consequences.
The letter further points out that criminal acts are already comprehensively covered by existing legislation, making the proposed definition potentially redundant in addressing illegal behavior while simultaneously risking the suppression of lawful speech.
Government Response and Ongoing Deliberations
In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government provided reassurance about the government's commitment to free speech. "We've been clear we would never consider a definition that would stifle free speech. Work around any new definition is still being considered and no decisions have been made, but this will remain at the forefront of our minds," the spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson also highlighted the pressing need for action, noting that anti-Muslim hate incidents have reached record highs in recent times. The government remains firmly committed to tackling all forms of hatred and prejudice while carefully balancing this imperative with the fundamental right to freedom of expression—a delicate equilibrium that continues to shape this ongoing policy discussion.
