Shaista Gohir is a key figure in the government's "Islamophobia definition" project.
And this is a significant development. To this day, she stands by some awful posts in the past, saying "bad actors were deliberately twisting their meaning”.
This is worrying. Why? 1/8
And this is a significant development. To this day, she stands by some awful posts in the past, saying "bad actors were deliberately twisting their meaning”.
This is worrying. Why? 1/8
Because we are talking about a number of posts where she claimed Israel controls America. This is a rotten antisemitic canard.
In fact, Israel had a "hold" over world leaders too, including Muslims. 2/8
In fact, Israel had a "hold" over world leaders too, including Muslims. 2/8
There are other historic posts of concern as well.
So, to our times. I know a number of politicians who were pretty wild in the past. They have plainly changed. Some have apologised. If people have moved on, good.
And Shaista Gohir, today? 3/8
So, to our times. I know a number of politicians who were pretty wild in the past. They have plainly changed. Some have apologised. If people have moved on, good.
And Shaista Gohir, today? 3/8
https://x.com/habibi_uk/status/1952357933691421030
It's denial and defiance. She even resorts to using the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
And then, she goes on the attack. This is characteristic.
Anti-Muslim hatred and antisemitism are very different beasts. In any case, one could argue, and I have, that the IHRA... 4/8
And then, she goes on the attack. This is characteristic.
Anti-Muslim hatred and antisemitism are very different beasts. In any case, one could argue, and I have, that the IHRA... 4/8
...definition may have caused more problems than it has solved. That is not meant as any sign of disrespect to its supporters or an argument against its intrinsic merits.
It is just a weary take from the field. "Oh, now we have something else to argue about endlessly." 5/x8
It is just a weary take from the field. "Oh, now we have something else to argue about endlessly." 5/x8
"Getting nowhere, as if we needed yet another conflict. Sigh."
The main point here, though, is that I don't think someone who brusquely dismisses serious concerns should have a role in deciding what we may say, for fear of sanction with an official seal of approval. 6/8
The main point here, though, is that I don't think someone who brusquely dismisses serious concerns should have a role in deciding what we may say, for fear of sanction with an official seal of approval. 6/8
For that is just what might happen. You can be sure of it. With the right definition cudgel, Islamists will abuse people expressing legitimate views, no matter how much some may dislike them.
Media types in particular may be very fearful. 7/8
Media types in particular may be very fearful. 7/8
Despicable physical crimes against Muslims can be and are punished. Good. Go get them!
Words are where it gets very murky, very quickly.
The government may be fashioning a rod for its own back here, actually making things worse.
Please think most carefully. 8/8
Words are where it gets very murky, very quickly.
The government may be fashioning a rod for its own back here, actually making things worse.
Please think most carefully. 8/8
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