Islamophobia has no place in our society. Recent comments made by prominent elected representatives are hateful, racist and irresponsible. They do nothing but fuel racism, Islamophobia and the exclusion of Muslim people from society.
Muslim women – the target of this latest attack, including those who choose to wear religious clothing including the burqa and niqab – should be able to live as equal citizens without being the victims of hate, xenophobia and dehumanisation. It is a woman’s choice to wear what she wants to wear.
Hateful comments like the ones made this week are made in the context of a growing far right here in Wales and across Europe. This phenomenon poses a threat to civic, political, language and social rights that citizens in Wales and beyond (especially women, LGBTIQP+ collectives, minorities and migrants) have achieved after years of struggle.
We all have a collective responsibility to challenge and eradicate Islamophobia
and prejudice in its many guises.
Plaid Ifanc advocates a civic nationalism that promotes an inclusive society.
We will continue to fight to create a country where all are welcomed regardless of race, faith, or background.
In our national conference in Swansea in 2017, Plaid Ifanc resolved to fight the growing far-right on a political level and to defend those social policies that promote equity and cohesive societies through the expansion of the welfare state. We will continue to stand by this pledge, and we call on politicians from all progressive parties to join us.
We stand in solidarity with Muslim women in Wales and beyond, and pledge to fight in unity against Islamophobia and the far right.
