UK: Sikh group challenges 'flawed' definition of 'Islamophobia' in ongoing campaign

Image: Jihad Watch

The Network of Sikh Organisations (NSO) in the UK, which has been campaigning against a “flawed” definition of Islamophobia adopted by the Labour Party, received a boost after the government acknowledged that the proposed definition does not align with the UK’s Equality Act.

Earlier this month, the NSO wrote to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Faith Minister Lord Wajid Khan, warning that the proposed definition could jeopardize factual discussions about the history of the Indian subcontinent.

In 2018, the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims defined Islamophobia as a form of racism targeting expressions of "Muslimness." Lord Khan, in his response to the NSO, acknowledged that the proposed definition does not align with the Equality Act 2010, which defines race by colour, nationality, and national or ethnic origins.

The NSO’s letter cautioned that adopting a "contested definition" into law could seriously impact free speech, including discussions of historical events. They also feared it could lead to "seminal moments" in Sikh history being censored as "racist."

The NSO argued that if the definition were adopted into law, discussing the history of the Indian subcontinent or the persecution of religious minorities in countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria could be wrongly equated to racism, which would hinder free speech and persecute those who speak truthfully.

Lord Khan’s response also addressed recent violent incidents, linking much of the unrest to anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant hatred. He emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing divisions in society and protecting individuals' rights to practice their religion freely.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)