On Monday, the government published a new definition of ‘anti-Muslim hostility’. It will immediately raise concerns for many Christians and others who value freedom of speech and religion. Ministers insist that the proposal is designed simply to tackle hatred and abuse directed at Muslims. Yet experience suggests that once governments begin defining forms of ‘hostility’ toward particular religious groups, the boundaries between protecting people and protecting beliefs can quickly become blurred.
No civilised society should tolerate violence, intimidation, or harassment directed toward Muslims, or toward any other group. Christians believe that every person is made in the image of God and deserves dignity and protection under the law. Where Muslims are threatened or abused, believers should be among the first to condemn it. But it does not follow that every new government initiative framed as tackling ‘hate’ is wise, proportionate, or safe for a free society.
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