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The comments reported here by Tory councillors, the confusion in the headline ("anti-Islam" instead of Islamophobic, or even "Islamophobic"), the reluctance of the party to act - are a good example of why a decent definition of Islamophobia is so important
Generally, criticism of Islam shouldn't fall within the definition of Islamophobia.
Saying 11 year old girls should be scared of Islam based on a misrepresentation of prevalence of FGM whilst harassing prominent Muslims to denounce parts of their religion - that's Islamophobia
Saying 11 year old girls should be scared of Islam based on a misrepresentation of prevalence of FGM whilst harassing prominent Muslims to denounce parts of their religion - that's Islamophobia
And saying that "Britain withstood the Blitz and got up, had a cup of tea and got on with rebuilding the next day. We will stand against the tide of Islam" - that's Islamophobia, as it compares increase in Muslims to the Nazi bombing campaign.
As with antisemitism there are nuances. A wide circle needs to be drawn around free speech, including passionate criticism of Islam (just as we must place one around passionate criticism of Israel).
This is why a definition of Islamophobia, including free speech, is important
This is why a definition of Islamophobia, including free speech, is important
As @barefootbaristr point out, the original @BuzzFeed article quotes one of the councillors as saying “every 11 year old girl” should be “frightened of Muslims”. So as Guardian misquoted ("frightened of Islam")?
Anyway, it's worse if BuzzFeed are correct
Anyway, it's worse if BuzzFeed are correct
