Government was right to reject definition of Islamophobia, says MP

A MUSLIM MP has said the government was right to reject the definition of Islamophobia created by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).

Labour Party's Khalid Mahmood said adopting the definition would only lead to segregation of Muslim communities.

During a debate on the issue, he told the Commons: "I am for equality for all - but I oppose this. We as Muslims should be proud of who we are and try to move away from a victim mentality."

"I have been the victim of hate mail and actions from the far right and the Islamist community as well. I am proud to be a British Pakistani Muslim MP - the first Muslim to be elected in this Parliament from England. I will take no lessons from anyone who says I'm an Islamophobe or too much or a Muslim."

Downing Street said last night (16) the suggested definition of Islamophobia had not been broadly accepted, adding: "This is a matter that will need further careful consideration."

Mahmood is among 40 religious leaders and experts who wrote to home secretary Sajid Javid telling him that the definition could be a "backdoor blasphemy law" and limit free speech.

Martin Hewitt, the chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, on Tuesday (14) issued a statement expressing concern about the definition.

He said it was “too broad as currently drafted, could cause confusion for officers enforcing it and could be used to challenge legitimate free speech on the historical or theological actions of Islamic states”.

The APPG announced its definition of Islamophobia in December. It states, “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.”

The definition has already been adopted by parties including Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Conservatives.