All party group to define Islamophobia

[Tauranga]

The All-Party Group on Islamophobia - which leads calls for govt to officially adopt its definition of 'Islamophobia' for all public bodies - says:

‘The recourse to the notion of free speech and a supposed right to criticise Islam results in nothing more than another subtle form of anti-Muslim racism, whereby the criticism humiliates, marginalises and stigmatises Muslims. One real-life example of this concerns the issue of “grooming gangs”.’

This seems very strange to me, no other religion has these protections. Also, does this curtail free speech? Could debate still be had?

I can't believe Keir Starmer wants this.

. We have the equality act which aims to protect everyone based on their characteristics, so why do we need this? The curtailing of free speech is hugely concerning, but this will be passed through quietly without any fanfare.

I hope so but could be the thin edge of the wedge. Also, how can it be adopted in 4 councils, is it legally binding, ie if I lived in those councils, would I be subject to different 'hate' speech ?

Is it just me or is anyone else tired of the thin wedge argument for doing nothing about serious situations?

When did fear overtake pragmatism?

'Motions' are presumably council 'notices of motion', which are usually commitments to write the obligatory strongly-worded letter to the government requesting that something be done in the fullness of time blah blah.

An individual council might be able to tie a notice of motion to a local policy (assuming that it is voted though by a majority of councillors, with or without amendments), but only if it is within the council's own powers and in keeping with prevailing national statutes and laws eg the Equality Act 2010.