British Sikh Group's Islamophobia Definition Challenge Gains Government Support

A British Sikh organisation's challenge to a 'flawed' Islamophobia definition by the Labour Party, supported by the government, warns it could harm free speech and discussions on Indian subcontinent history. The debate follows violent clashes in the UK linked to anti-Muslim sentiments, urging a holistic approach to tackling Islamophobia.

A British Sikh organisation's campaign against an Islamophobia definition adopted by the Labour Party has received government support, with officials admitting the proposal conflicts with the UK's Equality Act.

The Network of Sikh Organisations (NSO) warned that the definition could stifle factual discussions about the Indian subcontinent's history. In 2018, the APPG on British Muslims defined Islamophobia as 'a type of racism targeting Muslimness'.

Lords Khan from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government noted that addressing Islamophobia is complex and requires a comprehensive approach. The NSO fears the definition would curb free speech and mislabel historical discussions as racist.

(With inputs from agencies.)