Equality watchdog advises Govt to ditch plans for ‘Islamophobia’ definition

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has advised the Government to abandon plans to adopt a new definition of Islamophobia.

In a letter to Communities Secretary Steve Reed, the EHRC warned that the proposal risked creating “a chilling effect” on free speech.

The Christian Institute has also warned the Government that a vague definition of ‘Islamophobia’ could undermine healthy debate and democratic discussion.

Unnecessary

The working group set up by the Government to agree suitable wording for a definition was told by the equality watchdog in September that any recommendation risks “being either unhelpful or merely duplicative”.

Furthermore, the EHRC argued, adopting “a new non-statutory standard that is different from existing statutory provisions also risks creating confusion and a lack of clarity about the protections in civil and criminal law”.

In submitting its response to the working group’s call for evidence, EHRC chairwoman Baroness Falkner of Margravine informed its leader, Dominic Grieve, that “any working definition of Anti-Muslim Hatred adopted by the government must be compatible with the right to freedom of expression”.

She also said “it is unclear what role a new definition would play” in tackling “abuse targeted at Muslims”, calling for a public consultation if the Government decide to proceed “so that all the potential risks and benefits can be freely aired and considered”.

Free speech pledge

Speaking to The Times, a spokesperson for the EHRC commented: “This topic raises complex issues relevant to equality and human rights, and therefore our regulatory remit given the EHRC’s statutory powers and duties. As such, we have provided advice to the chair of the working group and the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government and stand ready to continue to do so.”

A Communities Ministry spokesperson said the Government “will never adopt a definition which contradicts equalities legislation” and that it will “defend freedom of speech”.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood previously warned that a definition could give Muslims “special treatment”, leading to “further conditions that increase hatred, rather than deal with it”.