Why are we against the proposed Anti-Terror legislation?
12 October 2005 - Muslim Association of Britain
Why are we against the proposed Anti-Terror legislation?
The Muslim Association of Britain stands vehemently and unequivocally against the proposed Anti-Terror legislation, not because we are liberal with our collective safety and security, but specifically because we are not.
We are against the proposed Anti-terror laws because:
- The great threat to our security, is the alienation and demonising of any of our religious or ethnic communities, and the creation of an underground tide of dissent. One may argue that terrorism is an inevitable outcome of such a scenario where freedoms are curtailed and liberties eroded. The Government is proposing that it is the other way round and that it is necessary to compromise our civil liberties in order to create safety and security. If that were allowed to happen, we would be living under the illusion of safety and the mirage of security that could be easily shattered.
- The previous Anti-Terror laws did not prevent the attacks of the 7th of July, and increasing those laws will not prevent another attack from occurring, God forbid. It is the collective unity of the people and society that safeguard it from being penetrated . To forsake and compromise this state of unity would be to place each and every member of our nation in danger.
- More than 800 Muslim men and women have been detained under these laws, some for lengthy terms without charge and without trial, only to be released after their lives, families, dreams and careers were shattered. Such laws and measures, create division and may create an element that cares less for the prosperity and safety of our country and her people, since their own welfare was so tragically forsaken. Further laws, will create further victims.
- Banning non-violent organisations and individuals will only offer the suggestion that such non-violent discourse and effort do not work and other methods ought to be adopted. That is in no one's interest apart from the interests of those who advocate violence.
- The Muslim community must not be seen to be burdened with a greater responsibility than any other element of society, as any threat is a threat against us all, and we should all share the burden of safeguarding our people and our future.
- Proposing the new legislation is an attempt to distract the public debate about why we suffered a terrorist attack on 7 July 2005. An open healthy debate will prove that our foreign policy is the main culprit; that in turn will mean that this government has to accept its share of responsibility.
For these reasons and more, the Muslim Association of Britain is against the proposed Anti-Terror legislation and will be making its case before the Government, the political parties and the public.