Theresa May Will Reject Calls By Muslim Groups To Define Islamophobia As A Type Of Racism

Exclusive: BuzzFeed News has been briefed on plans to oppose the definition on free speech grounds.

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.”

More than 750 British Muslim organisations had called on the government to adopt the British Muslims all-party parliamentary group definition, which was produced after consultation with legal experts, MPs, and Muslim groups.

The definition has been formally endorsed by the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, and the Scottish Conservatives.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/alexwickham/theresa-may-will-reject-calls-by-muslim-groups-to-define