City council adopts Islamophobia statement

A city council has agreed to adopt an Islamophobia statement in a bid to support Muslim communities in the area.

Officers at Peterborough City Council were asked to draft the statement following a motion at full council in June 2022.

The statement includes a definition of Islamophobia and sets out some of the ways Muslims are impacted by it.

Councillor Samantha Hemraj, who introduced the item at full council on Monday, said: "The council has been working closely with the joint mosque committee, local schools, the police and health providers."

She said Islamophobia could have a "serious" impact in Muslim communities.

"The Islamophobia statement demonstrates a council commitment to supporting Muslim communities and fits alongside broader anti-racism policies and statements," she said.

The authority said it would encourage organisations and businesses it works with to adopt the statement and commit to "tackling the prejudice and disadvantage that Muslims can face".

The city has a growing Muslim population.

According to the last census in 2021, 12.2% of people living in Peterborough described themselves as Muslim, compared with the average of 6.7% across England.

Abdul Choudhuri, chair of the Joint Mosques Council Peterborough, said he was "absolutely delighted" with the decision to adopt the statement.

He said: "It is now very clear so everybody is aware of what Islamophobia is and we need to work it out together how to eradicate the hate and Islamophobia.

"It's what I call a stepping stone in the right direction."

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