In 2019, a significant controversy erupted involving a 16-year-old student from East Sussex, UK, named Abigail Ward. During a GCSE religious studies exam, Abigail expressed her strong disapproval of halal slaughter methods, describing them as “absolutely disgusting.” This comment led to her disqualification by the exam board OCR, which accused her of making “obscene, racial comments.”
Following an appeal from her school, the decision was overturned. The school clarified that Abigail’s critique stemmed from her vegetarian beliefs and was directed at the practice of halal slaughter, not at Muslims themselves, highlighting an alarming trend toward censoring legitimate criticism of Islamic practices.
The Growing Culture of Censorship
The case of Abigail Ward is indicative of a broader issue: the increasing tendency to label any criticism of Islamic practices as ‘Islamophobia’ or even ‘racism’. Many individuals, like Ward, have faced accusations of bigotry for expressing critical views on certain Islamic practices or beliefs.
The intent to shield religion from criticism to avoid causing offense is often driven by noble intentions. Muslims in the UK and elsewhere frequently experience discrimination and abuse, and it is vital to protect them from such treatment. However, this protection should not come at the expense of free speech. Existing laws already protect all individuals from discrimination, harassment, and violence, including Muslims. These rights must be upheld without stifling the right to express opinions and views freely.
The Impact of Fear and Self-Censorship
Despite the absence of blasphemy laws in England and Wales, there is a growing perception that Islam is afforded special protection from criticism and mockery. The rise in anti-Muslim bigotry, combined with the sensitivities of some religious fundamentalists, has made discourse around Islam increasingly fraught.
Islamic extremists have long sought to silence any criticism or mockery of their religion. The 2015 terror attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and the assassination of Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh are stark examples of this. Such acts foster a climate of fear and self-censorship.
The Role of Hate Speech Laws
Hate speech laws have also contributed to the chilling effect on debate. The Racial and Religious Hatred Act of 2006 created various offenses involving ‘stirring up hatred’ against persons on religious grounds. To meet the threshold of stirring up hatred, the conduct must be threatening. Unlike race hate laws, being merely ‘abusive’ or ‘insulting’ is not sufficient. This distinction is crucial to protect freedom of expression, ensuring that criticism or expressions of antipathy towards religious beliefs or practices remain lawful.
Despite these legal protections, the impression persists that people have the right not to be offended. Activists and social media mobs often call for police intervention when someone is perceived to have been ‘abusive’ or ‘insulting’ about Islam. This phenomenon was evident when Boris Johnson’s comments about Muslim women wearing burkas sparked outrage, prompting the head of the Metropolitan Police to clarify that his comments did not constitute a hate crime.
The Dangers of Defining Islamophobia
The term ‘Islamophobia’, which conflates race and religion, poses a serious threat to free speech. Attempts to define Islamophobia as “a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness” could exacerbate the problem. This definition has been promoted by a coalition of regressive Islamic activists and left-wing progressives in the name of combating anti-Muslim bigotry.
A recent ‘Anthology of Concerns’ over the APPG’s definition of Islamophobia highlights the dangers posed to liberal values by this concept. The report, supported by the National Secular Society, Christian Concern, Richard Dawkins, the Network of Sikh Organisations, Civitas, and the Quilliam Foundation, warns that adopting this definition could severely restrict civil liberties.
Balancing Free Speech and Protection from Bigotry
It’s undeniable that many Muslims in Britain face hostility and bigotry and are victims of racism. However, addressing anti-Muslim hatred by suppressing free speech is misguided. The government has wisely rejected the APPG’s definition but is still attempting to define Islamophobia, which is a mistake. As Professor Richard Dawkins aptly put it, “Islamophobia is an otiose word which doesn’t deserve definition”.
The paralyzing fear that criticism of Islam or Islamic culture will be branded racist is dangerous. Many British Muslims would agree that there are aspects of Islam that warrant criticism: attitudes towards free speech, the treatment of women, LGBT people, Ahmadiyya Muslims, and non-believers often conflict with modern secular liberal values.
Global Perspectives and Historical Context
The importance of open discourse about Islam extends to all countries with large Muslim populations, such as Indonesia and Pakistan, the suppression of criticism often leads to severe penalties, including imprisonment and death. For instance, in Pakistan, blasphemy laws have been used to target and persecute religious minorities and dissenters. According to Human Rights Watch, these laws have contributed to a climate of fear and repression.
Historical context also underscores the need for open criticism. The Enlightenment era in Europe saw the rise of critical thought and the questioning of religious dogma. Figures like Voltaire and Spinoza challenged the authority of the Church, paving the way for modern secular societies. Similarly, contemporary critiques of Islam can foster dialogue and reform within Muslim communities, promoting values of tolerance and human rights.
The Takeaway
While there are bigots who use opposition to Islam as a proxy for racism, it is crucial for secularists to challenge these racists. Simultaneously, it is equally important to resist efforts to achieve harmony through the suppression of speech. There is a significant conversation to be had about a religion that increasingly influences societies and politics worldwide, and this discussion must be free from mischievous and frivolous accusations of racism to ensure a healthy, open, and critical dialogue about Islam and its place in modern society.
#FreeSpeech #IslamCriticism #ReligiousFreedom
