UK Think Tank Warns New Islamophobia Definition Risks Two-Tier Hate Protections

The UK government is considering a new definition of Islamophobia, focusing on "anti-Muslim hate" rather than using terms like "Islamophobia" or "Muslimness" to address concerns about rising hate crimes against Muslims while protecting free speech. The working group, chaired by barrister and former Conservative attorney general Dominic Grieve, aims to create a definition that balances the protection of Muslims from discrimination without creating a "two-tier policy" that offers Muslims special protections not extended to other faiths, a concern raised by the think tank Policy Exchange. Critics worry the definition could limit freedom of speech, potentially curtailing criticism of Islam or Islamic extremism, and some fear it may lead to backdoor blasphemy laws. However, the working group insists the new definition must be compatible with freedom of expression, including the right to criticize religions. Crossbench peer Baroness Gohir, a group member, expects the final definition to address concerns about vagueness and free speech limitations and warns that rejecting the new wording could perpetuate problematic existing definitions. The government has received the group's report and is considering whether to publish it or proceed with the project.