“Theresa May is to reject a definition of Islamophobia proposed by British Muslim groups, BuzzFeed News can reveal.
At a parliamentary debate on anti-Muslim prejudice on Thursday, ministers will oppose the definition which states: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.”
The government is said to be concerned that adopting the definition could mean people who criticise aspects of Islam might be prosecuted under discrimination laws.
The Muslim Council of Britain said it was “truly astonishing the government thinks it knows better than Muslim communities”.
“If this free speech rationale is true, it would mean that the government believes that defining the racism that targets Muslims or expressions of Muslimness somehow impinges on free speech.
“Defining anti-semitism does not do so, but defining Islamophobia does. Truly shocking,” a spokesperson for the MCB said.”
https://www.buzzfeed.com/alexwickham/theresa-may-will-reject-calls-by-muslim-groups-to-define
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48283337
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/q-a-sjbqc380d