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The full press release by Muslim Women's Network UK was quoted in the Times Online article, Islam4UK banned by Ruth Gledhill as follows:
The women's network says it fully supports every individual’s right to freedom of speech but agrees that it cannot be absolute, if the views expressed and methods used to deliver them cause harm to others.
The network says the actions of such groups need to be curbed by government in a manner 'that achieves a balance between freedom of speech and the silencing of democratically expressed opposition to government policy.'
Shaista Gohir, the network's director, said, 'Although the issue of civilian deaths in Afghanistan definitely needs to be raised, the methods these groups use to raise awareness of such issues are unacceptable and detrimental to community relations.'
The network is concerned that the biggest impact of Islam 4UK is on the vast majority of British Muslims who are law-abiding citizens.
'Islam4UK’s actions are only supported by a tiny minority of Muslims in the country, and should not be assumed to be representative of all British Muslims. The actions of groups such as Islam 4UK act as a catalyst for increasing extreme right wing activity and fuelling anti-Muslim sentiments. Their behaviour therefore also increases the risk of verbal and physical abuse towards British Muslims.
'It is possible to disagree with government on their foreign policy as many Muslim organisations have done through intellectual debate and other democratic methods rather than resorting to tactics that are offensive and likely to incite hatred or violence.
'From the adolescent antics of Islam4UK and associated groups, it is obvious they are only interested in publicity stunts rather than any serious, rational debate. We are fortunate in this country to have the freedom of speech which is so often not granted in Muslim countries. These groups are abusing this tolerance that is a part of British society.'
The network went on to urge the government not to single out Muslim groups and take an equally strong position against all groups that directly or indirectly abuse their right to freedom of speech and incite hatred and violence towards any person in the UK.
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