One in seven councils in England adopts disputed definition of Islamophobia

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY(REDNA)- One in seven councils have adopted a definition of Islamophobia which describes it as a form of racism.

An analysis conducted by the Civitas think tank found that 52 local authorities in England have passed a motion to adopt the definition, which came from the APPG on British Muslims and says: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.”

The government and others object to it, arguing the definition limits free speech. The Telegraph reports that a spokesperson for the Muslim Council of Britain accused the Civitas report of “wilfully misrepresenting” the APPG definition.