UK Sikh group raises concerns over ‘Islamophobia’ definition

A prominent UK Sikh group has urged the Government not to introduce a controversial definition of 'Islamophobia' into law.

In the wake of recent attacks on mosques and Muslims by far-right rioters, the Government has announced it is "actively considering" its approach to 'Islamophobia'. This reportedly includes engagement with stakeholders in support of adopting the definition of 'Islamophobia' formulated by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims.

While in opposition, the Labour Party adopted the APPG definition, which defines 'Islamophobia' as "a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness".

But the Network of Sikh Organisations (NSO), a charity representing over 130 gurdwaras and other Sikh groups, said adopting the definition into law would have "serious implications" for free speech, including the ability to discuss "historical truths".

In a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, the NSO highlighted how the APPG definition includes claims of Muslims "spreading Islam by the sword or subjugating minority groups under their rule" as examples of 'Islamophobia'.

This attempt at "revisionism" would characterise discussions of Indian history, the current persecution of religious minorities in places such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, and "seminal moments in Sikh history" as expressions of racism, the NSO warned.

The NSO said the right to openly discuss religions, beliefs and history is a basic tenet of "public debate and the free exchange of ideas", which is critical to safeguarding pluralism and "the bedrock of a civilised, free and liberal society."

The NSO also raised concerns the APPG definition is incompatible with equality law, and would promote a "religious hierarchy" where one person's belief is protected whilst another's is penalised.

According to the NSO, a manifestation of the Sikh faith is the "rejection of halal slaughter and meat" due to it being considered "inhumane". But under the APPG definition, objecting to halal slaughter could be viewed as targeting an "expression of Muslimness", and therefore judged an act of racism.

The previous Conservative Government decided against adopting the APPG definition due to concerns about its potential to conflict with equality law.

In April, a report co-authored by former Labour MP Khalid Mahmood also raised concerns about the APPG definition, outlining how it has already been used to silence those accused of offending Islamic sensibilities. Introducing the report, former home secretary Sajid Javid argued adopting the definition would "risk creating a blasphemy law via the backdoor".

The National Secular Society also wrote to Rayner last month warning that adopting the APPG definition could threaten free speech around religion.

NSS: "Religious privilege inherent to the concept of 'Islamophobia'"

NSS spokesperson Jack Rivington said: "Although the reprehensible violence faced by Muslims in recent months must be unequivocally condemned, introducing a deeply problematic definition of 'Islamophobia' into law is not the way to challenge anti-Muslim bigotry.

"This letter articulates many of the concerns about the APPG definition, and illustrates how religious privilege is inherent to the concept of 'Islamophobia'.

"As the Network of Sikh Organisations rightly says, more free speech is the answer, not less. In a democratic society, individuals should be protected, but ideas must remain open to discussion, scrutiny, and criticism."