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What is religious respect? There are many different religions, faiths and belief systems in the world. In some the believers worshiping one god, in others they worship many different gods, while others believe in worshiping their ancestors. In all there are approximately 4,200 different religions, faiths and belief systems around the world. Just because someone believes in something different to you, it doesn’t mean that they are wrong and you are right or visa versa. It just means that there are many different ways of making sense of the world and that there are various ideas and beliefs about how people should live their lives. In the UK, the new Racial & Religious Hatred Act 2006 sets out in law provisions (providing for a particular matter) about offences which stir up hatred against persons on racial or religious grounds. What is prejudice and religious hatred? People who are prejudiced against people from another religion:
‘Religious hatred’ is any ‘hatred against a group of people from a particular religious belief (which includes people with no religious beliefs). In the UK, the Racial & Religious Hatred Act 2006 makes it a crime to incite (or ‘stir up’) hatred against anyone on religious grounds using words, behaviour or show written or recorded materials (flyers, posters, videos etc) which are perceived by the victim or a witness to be threatening, abusive or insulting. Such acts can now result in criminal prosecutions. Everyone should respect each others beliefs. You may disagree with them, and question their attitudes and traditions, but it is important to remember that people have the right believe in whatever religion they want. See the pages on ‘Equalities’ and ‘Prejudice’ within this section of the website for more information about everyone’s right to equality. Diversity & Intolerance Diversity is one of the cornerstones of being human. Not only is there a vast range of religions, faiths and beliefs systems in the world, but there are also many differences within each one. It would be a mistake to assume that members of a particular religion, faith or belief all hold the same ideas or beliefs as others within that religion. For example within Christianity there are numerous different groups with different beliefs such as Catholics or Protestants, within Islam there are Sunni and Shia Muslims; or within Buddhism there are many different traditions including Theravadan and Mahayanna Buddhists. Even within these groups there are differences, different ideas, beliefs and practices, right down to the individual. Therefore, to think that all people of a religion or faith agree with or are responsible for the ideas or actions carried out by others in the name of that religion, faith or belief system would be a mistake and not representative of the whole picture. For example, not all Christians agree with contraception, not all Muslims agree with wearing the veil and not all Buddhists disagree with abortion. Religious intolerance on a global scale There are many examples of religious intolerance or hatred on a global scale. Sometimes the lack of tolerance and respect for other people’s cultures and beliefs can play a part in conflict and violence. Examples of this might include the persecution of Buddhists in Tibet, the conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, the conflict between Christians and Muslims in Indonesia or the conflict between Sunni and Shia Muslims in the Middle East. Whilst there is a strong element of religious intolerance or hatred in these kinds of conflicts, it is also important to remember that they are also often mixed in with historical or geographical issues, politics, economics etc which further complicate matters. What you can do about religious intolerance The most important thing anyone can do to help build respect for other religions is to understand that everyone has the right to believe in whatever faith or belief they want to. That acting out of prejudice against another person because of their religion shouldn’t be tolerated. Understanding and respect comes from education and knowing about the issues involved. Not knowing about the issues or about different religions, faiths or beliefs leaves people in the dark and they are more likely to then be prejudiced against someone because they do not understand. Persecuting other people, harassing or victimising them, based upon their religion is a hate crime in the UK. This includes any action which a person perceives or views to be based upon hatred. This act sets out a series of laws which aim to protect people from harassment, injury, harm, victimisation and persecution based upon their religious beliefs. It also provides more powers to the Police and the courts to arrest and prosecute people. If you are ever victimised because of your religion If you are ever victimised or targeted because of your religious beliefs or because you are a member of a particular faith then you should always report it to the Police or Partnership Community Safety Team. If you are ever harassed or victimised at your school or youth group etc, you should always report it to a member of staff. They have a duty to protect you, to help report it to the Police and to work towards solving and preventing any incidents from happening. You can also download and fill in the Racist Incident Report Form attached below to report any racist or religiously motivated hate crime you have experienced or witnessed. The Partnership Community Safety Team has dedicated workers who provide help, advice and support to victims of hate crime in Brighton & Hove. The team also provides support to agencies and services in the city who are working to prevent and process any incidents of harassment or victimisation which might happen. The PCST also work towards increasing the reporting of hate crime by rising awareness and building trust and confidence with Black and Minority ethnic communities in the city. For more information contact: Front Line Hate Crime Team, Partnership Community Safety Team, 162 North Street, Brighton, BN1 1EA Tel: (01273) 294646 Email: racial.harassment@brighton-hove.gov.uk Or contact: communitysafety@brighton-hove.gov.uk Website: www.safeinthecity.net or visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/ Or drop in to the office during opening times and speak to a caseworker who can help: Drop-in sessions are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm at 162 North Street. Sussex Police In an emergency you should always call 999 and ask for the Police. You can also see the ‘Reporting Crime' game for other alternatives. However, you should always talk to someone about any problems you are having. This could be a teacher, connexions PA, youth worker, representative of your faith or religion or someone you trust. By letting someone know of any issues you are having, and by talking to someone about them, you help to keep yourself safe and can start to look at what can be done to stop it. Advice for young people It is important to keep a diary of any religiously motivated incidents you may experience, no matter how trivial, and keep any literature or messages you may get by mobile, email etc. This will help build up a case and provide the Community Safety Team and Police with evidence to help tackle and stop any harassment you may experience. For more advice and information which can help see the ‘Bullying’ and ‘Hate Crimes’ pages on this website. Downloads Racist Incident Report Form (RIRF): The RIRF is used by agencies to record all racist and religiously motivated incidents within Brighton & Hove. The form enables the Partnership Community Safety Team to monitor incidents and provide comprehensive casework and advocacy service to victims. You do not have to give your name and address if you do not wish to. Links To follow…. |
