Hindu and Sikh organisations in the United Kingdom have recently voiced concerns regarding the UK government's proposed working definition of "anti-Muslim hostility." These groups contend that while the definition aims to combat prejudice against Muslims, its specific focus may inadvertently create a "hierarchy of racism" or a "hierarchy of victimhood" among faith communities, leaving other religious groups without comparable official protection.

The proposed definition is being considered by the UK government as part of broader efforts to tackle hate crimes and discrimination. Its intention is to provide a clear framework for identifying and addressing anti-Muslim prejudice. However, prominent Hindu and Sikh bodies argue that a standalone definition for anti-Muslim hostility, without corresponding definitions for other faiths, could lead to unequal treatment and insufficient recognition of the discrimination faced by their own communities.

  • Unequal Protection: Groups such as the Hindu Council UK and The Sikh Network have highlighted that a specific definition for anti-Muslim hostility does not address the anti-Hindu or anti-Sikh hatred experienced by their members. They advocate for either a single, overarching definition of religious hatred applicable to all faiths or the development of bespoke definitions for all major religious groups facing prejudice.
  • "Hierarchy of Racism" Concern: Critics from these communities suggest that singling out one faith for a dedicated definition could imply that prejudice against Muslims is more significant or merits greater official attention than hostility towards other religious groups. This sentiment fuels the "hierarchy of racism" argument, which asserts that such an approach could diminish the experiences of other minorities.
  • Previous Context: The current discussion follows earlier debates surrounding the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims' definition of Islamophobia, which encountered criticism over free speech implications. The government has since been exploring alternative approaches, leading to the current working definition of "anti-Muslim hostility."

Representatives from the Hindu Council UK have stated that while they support efforts to combat anti-Muslim prejudice, the solution must be equitable and inclusive of all faith communities experiencing hate. Similarly, The Sikh Network has called for the government to ensure that all religious minorities receive equal protection under the law, suggesting that the current proposal falls short in this regard.

The UK government has indicated it is continuing to engage with various stakeholders, including faith groups and community leaders, to gather feedback on the proposed definition. The objective is to formulate a framework that is effective in combating religious discrimination while being widely accepted and perceived as fair across the diverse religious landscape of the United Kingdom. Discussions are ongoing, with the aim of achieving a definition that supports all communities equally in their right to freedom of religion and protection from hostility.