United Kingdom: Labor Party replaces term “Islamophobia” with “anti-Muslim hatred”
The British Labor Party has decided to abandon the official definition of “Islamophobia” that it adopted in 2019, in favor of the term “anti-Muslim hatred”. This new formulation, drafted by a working group led by former conservative minister Dominic Grieve, removes any reference to the notion of “Muslimness”, considered too vague by certain political leaders.
The stated objective is to better distinguish hatred towards Muslims from legitimate criticism of religion, in order to preserve freedom of expression. An orientation which is already sparking debate: several Muslim organizations criticize Labor for giving in to political pressure, while hate crimes targeting Muslims have increased by 19% in one year.
For many associations, this change resembles a symbolic step backwards. They believe that replacing the word “Islamophobia” with “anti-Muslim hatred” amounts to minimizing the racial and systemic dimension of the problem. Some voices also denounce the government’s desire to spare conservative circles, worried about a supposed “deterrent effect” on criticism of Islam. For its part, Labor says it wants to find a balance between the fight against hatred and the protection of public debate. The party promises to strengthen support systems for victims and encourage better education in tolerance. It remains to be seen whether this new approach will respond to the worrying rise in anti-Muslim racism in the United Kingdom.
Behind this debate on words lies a much deeper question: that of recognition of the specific racism suffered by Muslims. By choosing to abandon the term “Islamophobia”, Labor is seeking to reassure public opinion and its most reluctant voters about the idea of “religious privilege”. But this shift could weaken the link between the party and part of its Muslim electorate, long loyal and now more critical. At a time when the far right is gaining ground and anti-Muslim hatred is increasing in the streets and online, the choice of words becomes a political test as much as a moral symbol.
