Shafaqna Pakistan: The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has rejected Labour’s proposed definition of Islamophobia in the UK, intensifying an ongoing debate over free speech and the protection of religious communities.
The decision has drawn criticism from free-speech advocates and former EHRC chair Baroness Falkner, who accused ministers of using “underhand tactics” to avoid statutory consultation and potentially limit legitimate criticism of religion.
The government has denied attempting to influence the EHRC, maintaining that the definition is non-binding and intended for voluntary adoption by individual organisations.
However, concerns remain over the process, particularly the removal of evidence submissions from the government’s working group and the failure to formally invite the EHRC to participate, fuelling allegations of political interference and raising questions about the balance between combating Islamophobia and protecting civil liberties.
Source: London Loves Business , Shafaqna English
