by Charles Hymas, Telegraph
Plans to revive a controversial racism definition risks ‘chilling’ effect on free speech, say campaigners
Angela Rayner faces a legal challenge over “secretive” plans to revive a definition of Islamophobia that will have a “chilling” effect on free speech.
The Free Speech Union (FSU) said the process would rubber-stamp a controversial definition of Islamophobia, which Labour would then adopt. The definition, which treats Islamophobia as a type of racism, has been criticised for being too widely drawn.
The FSU has written to the Deputy Prime Minister expressing concern the new definition is being drawn up behind closed doors.
The definition, which treats Islamophobia as a type of racism, has been criticised for being so expansive that it could threaten free speech, act as a de facto blasphemy law, and stifle legitimate criticism of Islam as a religion.