Currently Muslims do not benefit from the Race Relations Act 2000, which requires certain public bodies to prohibit direct and indirect discrimination in the performance of their public duties. It also requires them to take positive steps to eliminate discrimination and promote equality.

Whilst some faith communities in Britain, like Sikhs and Jews, rightfully enjoy the above protection and provisions of law, Muslims are unjustly denied access to them. This is because case law under the above Act currently defines ‘racial group’ in a way that includes single ethnic religious groups like Jews and Sikhs but excludes Muslims. Hence under British law, Muslims do not get protection from religious discrimination in the areas of social security & health care, education, public provisions such as housing or social advantages such as housing benefit & student loans.

A small yet significant development has been the introduction of new legislation passed in conjunction with a European law directive, which protects people from religious discrimination in employment. This is good news because it protects Muslims and others against unfair dismissal or discriminatory practices in the workplace. MuslimLine will endeavour to keep you updated with any amendments or changes within British law concerning the rights of Muslims.