UK: Labour MP calls for law to protect religious texts, prophets from desecration
Labour MP Tahir Ali has urged the UK government to introduce legislation safeguarding religious texts and prophets of the Abrahamic faiths from desecration, citing its importance in combating hate crimes and fostering social harmony.
His appeal coincided with Islamophobia Awareness Month and was raised during Prime Minister’s Questions in Westminster.
Arabnews reported that Ali, representing Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley, referenced a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution that condemned the desecration of religious texts, including the Qur’an. He stressed that such acts fuel division and hatred, asking Prime Minister Keir Starmer whether the government would consider measures to prohibit these actions.
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Starmer responded by condemning desecration and reaffirming the government’s commitment to tackling hatred, including Islamophobia, though he stopped short of explicitly endorsing new legislation.
In a follow-up post on X (formerly Twitter), Ali emphasized: “As November marks Islamophobia Awareness Month, it is vital the Government takes clear and measurable steps to prevent acts that fuel hatred in society.”
Recent figures from Tell Mama UK, an organization monitoring anti-Muslim hate, underline the problem. Since October 7, 2023, 4,971 incidents of anti-Muslim hate have been recorded, marking the highest number in 14 years. This surge is attributed in part to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
