Health minister Zubir Ahmed has welcomed the government’s announcement of a definition of anti-Muslim hostility, and feels it could mean a better future for his children and others.
The vascular surgeon turned politician told The Guardian about a social media post regarding a transplant operation done by him.
Ahmed generally avoids reading comments under his social media feeds, but that day he did so out of curiosity.
He claimed that there was a hate-filled cryptic comment that shocked him. It said, "Thanks for the transplant, now go home.”
Ahmed, who happens to be one of the two Muslims in the government, observed that Islamophobic abuse has grown over the recent decades.
He felt the UK government’s non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility could be a 'turning point'.
The three-paragraph definition says anti-Muslim hostility includes engaging in criminal acts directed at Muslims because of their religion, or at those perceived to be Muslim.
Prejudicial stereotyping and unlawful discrimination were also cited in the definition, which was launched alongside a new action plan to strengthen social cohesion.
The government said that defining a problem is a "crucial first step towards addressing it", but much more needs to be done to combat religious hatred.
But it has been criticised by opponents, who felt the definition was too broad and it could create a blasphemy law through the back door.
