A minister has called for the Government to include an outlawing of religious discrimination in the Single Equality Bill.It would mean that public bodies have a legal duty to promote equality between faiths.
He also calls for "Islamophobia in the workplace" to be tackled.
Sadiq Khan wants forthcoming legislation to be aimed at stamping out discrimination on grounds of sex, race, gender and disability to include religion. "This would not apply exclusively to British Muslims, but it would make a significant difference to the experience of members of this community who, because of socio-economic status, are particularly reliant on public services," Mr Khan says.
Mr Khan, one of four Muslim Labour MPs, wants to break down religious barriers and argues strongly that Britain's Muslims must change, too.
In a pamphlet published by the Fabian Society, Mr Khan argued that a combination of improved rights and enhanced responsibilities among British Muslims was needed in order to "reconnect" them with the rest of society.
"This is a relationship of two sides. British Muslims also need to step up to the plate," he said.
For example, he says everyone should learn English. "We must end the futile debates about whether or not English needs to be spoken by all who live here or want to come here, and instead address how to ensure everyone can," he said.
"The requirement to learn English is not colonial. English is a passport to participation in mainstream society – jobs, education and even being able to use health services."
He concluded that the teaching of British history must be compulsory in schools in order to make all children "understand who they are."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability shall attach itself to either myself or to the blogspot ‘Clerical Whispers’ for any or all of the articles placed here.
The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that I agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.
Sotto Voce
(Source: RI)