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From Secular Excuses to Conspiracy Theorists: Islamophobia On- and Offline

Many Western states pride themselves on religious freedom, allowing citizens to practice what they believe in whatever way they wish. That being said, some of the population in these states don’t necessarily align with this philosophy, with some politicians and political parties using anti-Muslim rhetoric and conspiracies to secure more votes, and some states claiming secularism as their excuse to ban headscarves, mostly associated with Islam, in certain contexts. 

European Islamophobia 

On 28 November 2023, the European Union court ruled that employers can prohibit staff from wearing anything revealing signs of religious beliefs in the name of secularism. France had already had a ban on headscarves in schools, claiming the same reason, since March 2004, and continues to push for further bans for hijabs in sports. This was particularly relevant in the 2024 Summer Olympics, which had been held in Paris, during which this exclusionary policy was in place. 

American Islamophobia 

With Donald Trump’s second term approaching, it is important to be familiar with the strategies he has employed over the years to build the anti-Muslim rhetoric that has formed in the US. In January 2017, one of his first days in office, Trump put forth his Muslim Ban policy. Muslim Advocates, an American civil rights organization, has published many articles ranging from corporate accountability to hate crimes in the US. We encourage you to read this piece by Amnesty International, further discussing Trump’s Islamophobic policies that may surge in his next presidency. 

So-Called ‘Feminist’ Islamophobes 

The banning of headscarves in certain contexts has been claimed by white feminists to be an emancipatory movement for women practicing Islam, when in reality it is discriminatory and exclusionist. This opinion piece written for The Guardian expresses just how contradictory this way of thinking is – how will Muslim women and girls experience freedom if they are not allowed into institutions such as schools and sports facilities? Women and girls have fought to have the right to be in these spaces, so how can it possibly be a feminist action to ban some women and girls who wish to practice their religion from coming to these spaces? Amnesty International has more to say in this piece, particularly focusing on the hijab bans in French sports during the Olympics. 

Online Islamophobia 

Birmingham City University did a study that found that during the time of COVID-19, the spread of anti-Muslim abuse online increased. False images were shared of people attending Mosques during the UK’s lockdown, photos which had been taken weeks prior to any measures being put in place. Online hate speech geared toward Muslims has increased significantly since 7 October 2023, with movements to end the Palestinian genocide committed by Israel being targeted by trolls, hate groups, and well-established politicians. 

If you or anyone you know have been a victim to hate speech, contact the Stop Hate UK Line 24-hours a day on 0800 138 1625. To contact TellMAMA to report anti-Muslim hate, click here. 

 

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