UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"

A mosque in the city of Manchester, Great Britain. Photo: christiantoday

The UK government has introduced a new official definition of "anti-Muslim hostility," previously referred to as "Islamophobia." A number of Christian public figures and politicians believe that the document effectively introduces special legal protections for Islam and may restrict freedom of speech for critics of this religion. This is reported by Christian Today.

The new definition describes "anti-Muslim hostility" as actions directed against Muslims because of their religion, including violence, threats, insults or discrimination, as well as negative generalizations about Muslims as a group. The government claims that this definition is advisory in nature and should not restrict freedom of speech.

Nevertheless, representatives of Christian organizations believe that the document could be used to pressure critics of Islam. Tim Dieppe, of Christian Concern, has argued that the new definition could itself represent a breach of equality law, in that it provides special protection to Islam and Muslims not afforded to other religions.

Evangelical leader David Robertson warned the definition might even be used one day to silence those attempting to preach the Gospel to Muslims. According to him, there is a risk that proclaiming the Gospel or criticizing Islamic teachings will be interpreted as "inciting hatred," although, as he noted, preaching Christ is an expression of Christian love, not hostility.

A number of MPs have spoken out. Nick Timothy, Conservative MP for West Suffolk and shadow justice secretary, called it a "very predictable betrayal" by Labour. Shadow equalities minister, Claire Coutinho warned that vague formulations could lead to self-censorship in public institutions.

As the UOJ reported, Christians in Britain are no longer the majority.

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