BRITISH CHURCH LEADERS WARN NEW DEFINITION OF EXTREMISM TARGETS MUSLIMS
March 15, 2024The British Government has proposed a new definition of extremism that has sparked controversy over its discrimination against the Muslim community.
The definition proposed says extremism is “the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to:
1. Negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or
2. Undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or
3. Intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2)”.
Michael Gove, the Community’s Secretary, delivered a speech in parliament outlining this definition. However, during his speech, he made reference to Muslim groups by saying:
“Organisations such as the Muslim Association of Britain, which is the British affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood, and other groups such as Cage and Mend give rise to concern for their Islamist orientation and beliefs. We will be holding these and other organisations to account to assess if they meet our definition of extremism, and will take action as appropriate.
Consequently, two English church leaders – the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell – issued a joint statement criticising the British government’s new definition.
The joint statement warns that the government’s proposal “not only inadvertently threatens freedom of speech, but also the right to worship and peaceful protest” – and “risks disproportionately targeting Muslim communities”.
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English Script:
Michael Gove: Our definition will not affect gender critical companies, those with conservative religious beliefs, trans activists, environmental protest groups, or those exercising their proper rights to free speech. The proposed definition will hold that extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance that aims to negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others, or undermine, overturn or replace the UK system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights, or intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve these results. It is important to stress that we are in no way intending to restrict freedom of expression, religion or belief. Across this house, I am sure that we would agree that organizations such as the British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative who promote neo-Nazi ideology, argue for forced repatriation of white ethno states, and the targeting of minority groups for intimidation are precisely the type of groups about which we should be concerned and whose activities we will assess against the new definition. Islamism should never be confused with Islam. Islam is a great faith, a religion of peace which provides spiritual nourishment to millions, inspired countless acts of charity and celebrates virtues of generosity, compassion and kindness. Islamism is a totalitarian ideology which seeks to divide, calls for the establishment of an Islamic state governed by Sharia law and seeks to overthrow of liberal democratic principles. Organizations such as the Muslim Association of Britain, which is the British affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood and other groups such as Cage and Mend, give rise to concern for the Islamist orientation and beliefs. We will be holding these and other organisations to account to assess if they meet our definition of extremism, and will take action as appropriate.
