BRITAIN’S Muslim leaders are threatening to withdraw support from the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties because of their opposition to the incitement to religious hatred bill, writes Abul Taher.

The leaders, who are from some of the most influential Muslim organisations in the country, say that they may tell their communities to “take into account” the stance of the two parties on the bill when they cast their votes in the general election expected this year.

The Muslim Council of Britain, the country’s biggest Islamic organisation, has sent letters to Michael Howard, leader of the Tories, and to Charles Kennedy, leader of the Lib Dems, reminding them of the importance of the legislation for Muslims. The letter is believed to warn Howard and Kennedy of the negative impact that opposition to the bill may have.

The Muslim council has also sent a letter to every MP in the country asking for his or her support for the legislation as the three parties prepare to debate the bill tomorrow in parliament.

Iqbal Sacranie, secretary-general of the Muslim council, said: “We are clear that incitement to religious hatred will remain central to our campaign as we approach the election. We feel that any opposition will be seen by the Muslim community as not being supportive of issues affecting them.”

Islamic groups have been campaigning for incitement to religious hatred to become law for more than 10 years. They feel that such a law is required to protect their communities from Islamophobia, especially from far-right groups.

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