Proposals for an official definition of Islamophobia were rejected by the Government yesterday.
Supporters of the idea say that formalising the term will help to counter hostility toward Muslims.
But Downing Street said the suggested definition had not been broadly accepted, adding: 'This is a matter that will need further careful consideration.'
Ministers are expected to appoint two independent advisers to draw up a 'less legally problematic' definition, the Times reported.
More than 40 religious leaders and experts wrote to Sajid Javid yesterday, telling the Home Secretary that the definition could be a 'backdoor blasphemy law' and limit free speech.
Police warned it could undermine counter-terrorism operations.
MPs and peers on the all-party parliamentary group on British Muslims want the Government to define Islamaphobia as 'rooted in racism or a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness'. [Daily Mail] Read more
