Faith leaders in the United Kingdom have raised concerns about the Labour government’s proposed definition of anti Muslim hatred, warning that it could unintentionally undermine freedom of expression and religious liberty.

According to Christian Daily, the proposal would replace the term Islamophobia with Anti Muslim Hatred or Hostility in official language. It builds on a definition first introduced in 2018 by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims. Supporters argue that the revised wording is intended to better address discrimination and physical harm directed at Muslims.

Critics, however, say the proposal largely repackages the earlier definition while retaining vague language that could be open to broad interpretation. They fear this lack of clarity could allow the definition to be applied beyond its intended scope.

The UK Evangelical Alliance has emphasized that Christian ministry, teaching, and open dialogue must remain protected. Alicia Edmund, head of public policy at the alliance, said that there must be a clear distinction between hostility toward individuals and fair critique of belief systems.

Similar concerns were expressed by the Hindu Council UK, which warned that unclear terminology could lead to inconsistent application and potentially classify robust religious discussion as hate speech. Its director, Dipen Rajyaguru, noted that existing laws already address criminal acts and discrimination, arguing that efforts to combat anti Muslim hostility should not come at the expense of free speech or equal treatment for other minority communities.

Faith leaders are now urging the government to refine the proposed definition in a way that protects Muslims from genuine harm while preserving legal clarity and safeguarding open religious discourse.