UK Sikh Network Threatens Legal Action Over Proposed Islamophobia Definition

UK Sikh Network Threatens Legal Action Over Proposed Islamophobia Definition
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Tensions are growing within Britain’s faith communities over government plans to adopt an official definition of “Islamophobia.” The Network of Sikh Organisations (NSO), the leading representative body for Sikhs in the UK, has warned it will take legal action if Communities Secretary Steve Reed proceeds with the proposal.

In a formal statement, the NSO said it had sent a pre-action letter to the government on September 19, warning that the move could have legal and human rights implications. The group argued that defining Islamophobia risks discriminating against other faiths, restricting freedom of religion and expression, and criminalizing core Sikh practices or historical references.

Reed insisted that safeguarding free speech remains a government priority, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood cautioned that an official definition could create “special treatment” for Muslims and deepen divisions. Meanwhile, Arabs in Britain (AUK) urged focus on tackling anti-Muslim hate, stressing that any definition should protect Muslims while maintaining balance between free expression and social responsibility.