Geostrategic Media Political Commentary, Analysis, Security, Defense
Cynthia Johnston
In an era where free speech is under increasing threat, the right to criticize Islam must be staunchly defended. Any government attempt to clamp down on so-called “Islamophobia” risks inflaming social tensions rather than alleviating them.
Why it matters: Recent reports suggest that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is considering adopting a broad definition of “Islamophobia” that could stifle open discourse. Such a move would not only erode free speech but also set a dangerous precedent for censoring criticism of religious beliefs.
The proposed definition, drawn up by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims, characterizes Islamophobia as “rooted in racism” and as a form of racism that targets “expressions of Muslimness.” But what exactly constitutes an “expression of Muslimness”? Could it include the burqa, the Quran, or even the belief that apostasy is a grave sin? If so, anyone who critiques or satirizes these expressions might find themselves labeled a racist.
While genuine anti-Muslim bigotry—targeting individuals with harassment or violence—should be condemned and combated, protecting religious ideas from criticism is an entirely different matter. The idea that “expressions of Muslimness” should be shielded from scrutiny is chilling, as it conflates the protection of people with the protection of ideas. No belief system, prophet, or holy book should be immune from criticism or ridicule.
The big picture: If the Labour government adopts this definition, it could encourage institutions—ranging from the police to universities—to act on it. This could create an environment where expressing critical views about Islam becomes increasingly risky, potentially leading to a culture of self-censorship. Statements like “The niqab is sexist” or “The Quran is flawed” could be deemed unacceptable in workplaces that have adopted this definition, stifling open debate and discussion.
Between the lines: Even without this formal definition, the obsession with Islamophobia has already curtailed free speech in the UK. Numerous individuals have faced consequences for criticizing or mocking Islamic beliefs. Whether it’s the grandad fired from Asda for sharing a Billy Connolly joke or the gymnast Louis Smith suspended for “appearing to mock Islam,” the message is clear: criticizing Islam can have serious repercussions.
What’s next: The fight to protect the right to criticize Islam is about more than just defending free speech; it’s about resisting a creeping culture of censorship that threatens to undermine open dialogue. If we allow any religious belief to be shielded from criticism, we risk sliding back into an era where blasphemy laws stifle intellectual freedom.
In a truly free society, no idea—religious or otherwise—should be beyond reproach. We must resist any attempt to censor criticism of Islam or any other belief system, and instead, champion the right to free and open debate.
