Equalities watchdog investigates Green Party's Zionism policy

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 15 Oct, 17:44 · Archive

Britain's equalities watchdog has written to the Green Party asking for information about its controversial 'Zionism is racism' motion.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has written to the Green Party asking for more information about a 'Zionism is racism' motion passed at its recent conference. The watchdog said it recognised that many Jewish people were feeling vulnerable following the motion's adoption. The EHRC has asked the party to clarify the practical implications and potential impact of the policy after receiving complaints alleging unlawful activity under the Equality Act 2010, including concerns that Jewish people could face discrimination because of their beliefs.

The motion described Zionism as an ideology supporting 'an ethnonationalist Jewish state in historic Palestine to the exclusion and/or domination of the non-Jewish population'. In response, the Green Party said it 'will not discriminate against or exclude people for holding Zionist views' and was committed to tackling antisemitism. The motion was criticised by four of the five Green MPs, two former leaders, dozens of Labour and Lib Dem MPs, and Jewish campaigners, with one former leader calling it 'dangerous' and 'divisive'. Green leader Zack Polanski said the motion was 'imperfect' but supported its substance.

Labour announced it will end power-sharing agreements with the Greens on local councils if they do not reject the policy. The EHRC said it would assess complaints carefully and take action where appropriate.

How it is being reported

• Equality watchdog writes to Greens over 'Zionism is racism' motionThe party was reported to the Equality and Human Rights Commission by MPs and antisemitism campaigners.BBC Politics · 15 Oct, 17:35
• Equalities watchdog writes to Green Party to probe impact of Zionism policyThe Equality and Human Rights Commission said it recognised ‘many Jewish people will be feeling vulnerable following the party’s motion’.Evening Standard · 15 Oct, 17:13
• Equalities watchdog writes to Green Party to probe impact of Zionism policyThe Equality and Human Rights Commission said it recognised ‘many Jewish people will be feeling vulnerable following the party’s motion’.Evening Standard · 15 Oct, 16:59
• Equalities watchdog writes to Green Party to probe impact of Zionism policyThe Equality and Human Rights Commission said it recognised ‘many Jewish people will be feeling vulnerable following the party’s motion’.Evening Standard · 15 Oct, 16:42

In this story: Green Party · Equality and Human Rights Commission · Labour Party · Zack Polanski

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