Overview
- The draft defines anti‑Muslim hostility to include violence, harassment, vandalism and intimidation directed at Muslims, plus 'prejudicial stereotyping and racialisation' to stir up hatred, and institutional practices intended to disadvantage Muslims.
- Ministers have not finalised or legislated the text, which is intended as guidance that councils, regulators, police and other bodies could choose to adopt.
- The Islamophobia/Anti‑Muslim hatred working group, reported to be chaired by former Conservative minister Dominic Grieve, submitted the proposal in October after being set up earlier this year.
- Supporters say the approach protects individuals without shielding religious ideas from scrutiny, while critics warn the 'racialisation' wording could chill legitimate criticism and inhibit professionals from tackling sensitive issues.
- Reporting indicates formal publication could come in early 2026, and polling cited in coverage shows limited public support for adopting an official definition.