Communities Secretary Steve Reed has stated unequivocally that any forthcoming definition of anti-Muslim hatred will not impinge upon the fundamental right to free expression. The government insists that the ability to criticize religion, in whole or in part, remains an absolute right, and the new definition will be structured to uphold this principle. This assurance comes as ministers finalize a definition developed by a working group established last year, with the stated aim of addressing what is described as "extraordinarily high levels of abuse" directed at the Muslim community.
The working group, tasked with providing a definition, noted in its initial terms of reference that "too many British Muslims have faced discrimination and hatred due to their religion," and that such animosity can extend to communities perceived as Muslim. In tandem with this effort, the government is reportedly considering the appointment of an "anti-Muslim hate tsar," mirroring an existing role for antisemitism, to learn from past strategies and better target abuse.
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However, concerns have been voiced by groups such as the 'Free Speech Union', which has formally submitted its own proposals to the government. These groups express apprehension that any formalized definition could inadvertently lead to a chilling effect on free speech and potentially function as a de facto blasphemy law. They argue that existing legal frameworks already offer protections against religious hatred and discrimination, questioning the necessity and potential repercussions of a new, codified definition.
The push for a definition stems from a recognized increase in anti-Muslim incidents. Reports indicate nearly 11,000 anti-Muslim hate reports in the 2023-24 period, with over 9,600 verified. The proposed definition is intended to serve as a guide for authorities in handling discrimination cases, though officials will ultimately have the final say on its implementation.
This initiative follows a similar process for defining antisemitism, a strategy that Jonathan Hall, KC, has questioned. Hall pointed to the rise in attacks on Jewish people despite the existence of an antisemitism definition, expressing skepticism about the efficacy of a parallel definition for anti-Muslim hatred. He maintains that individuals should remain free to critique migration from Muslim countries or Islamist terrorism without facing accusations of anti-Muslim sentiment. Reed, however, has indicated that the new definition would not replicate past failures, citing the "grooming-gang scandal" as an example of authorities hesitating to investigate due to fears of being labeled racist.
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The working group, initially formed under former Communities Secretary Angela Rayner, is expected to present its recommendations shortly. Reed's firm stance suggests he is prepared to reject any definition that fails to safeguard freedom of expression, a position that has drawn a cautious welcome from organizations like the 'National Secular Society' (NSS), which has engaged with stakeholders and shared its concerns regarding potential infringements on free speech.
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