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Equality watchdog writes to Green Party over 'Zionism is racism' motion
Overview
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has contacted the Green Party of England and Wales to request further information regarding a controversial 'Zionism is racism' motion passed at its conference. The watchdog received complaints alleging potential breaches of the Equality Act 2010 and concerns that Jewish people could face discrimination. In response, the Green Party stated it will not discriminate against those holding Zionist views and remains committed to tackling antisemitism.
Key points
- The EHRC wrote to the Green Party following complaints from MPs, Jewish campaigners, and groups like the Campaign Against Antisemitism.
- The motion, passed by members at the party conference, described Zionism as an ideology supporting an ethnonationalist Jewish state.
- Four of the five Green MPs, two former leaders, and numerous Labour and Lib Dem MPs criticised the motion.
- Labour stated it will end local council power-sharing agreements with the Greens unless its councillors disown the motion.
- The Green Party responded that the motion has no impact on membership conditions or internal disciplinary processes and that it will not discriminate against people for holding Zionist views.