A working definition of Islamophobia has been released by an all-party parliamentary group (APPG) co-chaired by Ilford North MP Wes Streeting.
The APPG on British Muslims released a report yesterday (November 27) calling for government to adopt a statutory definition of the term Islamophobia, referring to anti-Muslim hatred.
The 72-page report concludes by offering a working definition of concept as “rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness”.
Mr Streeting said: “Islamophobia is a form of racism and it is growing in our society.
“To tackle it, Islamophobia must be accurately and fully defined and that’s why this inquiry centered around the discussion on a working definition.”
He added: “The adoption of this definition by political parties, statutory agencies and civil society organisations will allow us to turn a corner to move forward towards a fairer society.”
The report comes following six-months of consultation with parliamentarians, academics, legal experts, Muslim organisations and British Muslim communities.
The last in a series of community consultation meetings – across Manchester, Sheffield and Birmingham – was held at Gardens of Peace Cemetery, in Elmbridge Road, Hainault, on September 17.
The definition been endorsed by the Muslim Council of Britain, which is headed by Wanstead resident Harun Khan.
He said: “As more and more Muslim communities share their support, we hope the government will listen to Muslim communities and adopt this definition in the coming days and weeks.”
Read the full report at goo.gl/vCiizv
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