LABOUR has watered down its controversial “Islamophobia” definition to head off a free speech backlash.
Ministers have struck out references to the “racialisation” of Muslims amid concern it is a vacuous term that could be weaponised to silence critics of the religion.
The phrase was included in the original definition drafted by a working group but is not expected to make the final version when it is published as soon as next week.
Despite pressure from community leaders, Labour has also refused to use the word “Islamophobia”, opting instead to define “anti-Muslim hatred”.
Wrangling over the wording has dragged on for more than a year, despite Labour pledging an Islamophobia definition in its election manifesto.
Swathes of MPs and free speech experts warned it could amount to a backdoor blasphemy rule in Britain used to shut down criticism of Islam.
There has also been huge criticism over the definition being created by a behind-closed-doors “working group” hand selected by ministers.
One member of the group, Baroness Shaista Gohir, was among those pressuring Communities Secretary Steve Reed to include the elusive “racialisation” term.
She had said: “The definition also recognises that Muslims are frequently targeted not only for their beliefs but also because of their appearance, race, ethnicity, or other characteristics.
“Including the element of racialisation validates these lived experiences.”
Experts have pointed out discrimination against Muslims is already covered by existing equalities laws.
The definition will not be legally binding – but will be available for government departments, organisations and public sectors bodies such cops to adopt and follow.
The Sun understands police forces have been consulted throughout the process of building a definition, raising fears it could be used in legal cases despite being non-statutory.
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, “racialisation” refers to “the act of giving a racial character to someone or something”.
The long-awaited publication of the definition will likely spark a row with the government caught between two sides.
Tory MPs have been against any sort of Islamophobia definition which they see as a curb on free speech.
But Muslim leaders and MPs could be furious that the final text will only refer to “anti-Muslim hatred”.
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure following the Gorton and Denton by-election defeat in which the triumphant Greens appealed to its Asian community.
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “We do not comment on leaks.
“As we have consistently said, the department is carefully considering the Working Group’s recommendations, and we would never consider a definition that would stifle free speech.
“With all hate crime on the rise and anti-Muslim hate incidents at a record high, we remain committed to tackling hatred wherever it may occur.”