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Alan Short addressed Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(5). He stressed that he was appalled by the rise in racism and anti-semitism, which needed to be opposed wherever it occurred. He had a number of links to Israel. However he was concerned by the proposed motion and asked whether members had read all the illustrative examples that accompanied the definition. Some of the examples had been criticised by leading international lawyers who claimed that it would restrict free speech and circumvent the actual definition of anti-semitism. Would his opposition to certain policies or actions of the Israeli government lead to him being defined as anti-semitic? The motion did not make it clear what the Council would do as a consequence of adopting the definition or how it would be applied.
Mark Bygrave addressed Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(5). He had experienced racism all his life. He recognised that anti-semitism existed and he was fiercely opposed to all forms of racism. He was not convinced that ant-semitism was the greatest issue of racism facing Colchester. Islamophobia and racism against non-whites went unabated and unchallenged. The IHRA definition was a poor tool to tackle anti-semitism. He had written to all Councillors with details of the opinion of Hugh Tomlinson QC that the definition lacked clarity and comprehensiveness. The Council could find itself in legal difficulties should it use it to bar activities. If Council adopted the definition it should not adopt the examples, and it should also adopt a declaration of free speech alongside it.
Barry Gilheany addressed Council pursuant to the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 6(5). Anti-semitism was the oldest form of hatred in the world, and it had assumed many forms throughout history, including lately a more insidious form of anti-semitism relating to Zionism and the state of Israel. There was nothing in the definition or the examples which would restrict debate or free speech or silence academic discussion. The definition was signed by 34 countries, the Scottish, Welsh and UK governments, and all major political parties in the UK. It was racist to suggest that the foundation of the state of Israel was a racist endeavour. The Council should support the motion on the basis of anti-racist principles.
It was proposed by Councillor T. Young, on behalf of the Leader of the Council, Councillor Cory, and the other Group Leaders, Councillor Goss, Councillor Laws and Councillor G. Oxford, that:-
1.
This Council believes that we are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country. Colchester Borough Council condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable. We are pleased to note the strong stance that Essex Police have taken against these issues. Colchester Borough Council will work to ensure local bodies and programmes have support and resources needed to fight and prevent all these anti-social acts, and reassures all people living in Colchester borough that they are valued and welcome members of our community.”
2.
As reflected in our Equality and Diversity Policies, the Council will continue to:
(a)
ensure that unfair discrimination does not arise by promoting equality of opportunity, valuing diversity and promoting good relations between the diverse members of our community, as well as tolerance and understanding of the needs of others; and
(b)
recognise that people need protection from unfair discrimination, as set out in the Equalities legislation;
3.
The Council notes:
(a)
that, in December 2016, the UK Government became the first European Union country to formally adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of Anti-Semitism; and
(b)
the letter from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, dated 30 January 2017, strongly encouraging councils to adopt the definition of Anti-Semitism.
4.
The Council adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of Anti-Semitism, as set out below:
“Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of Anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
(5)
The definition of Anti-Semitism, together with the accompanying illustrative examples, be used to guide the Council in the delivery of its equalities duties in relevant circumstances.
On being put to the vote the motion was carried (forty eight voted for, none voted against and one abstained from voting).
A named vote having been requested pursuant to Council Procedure Rule 15(2) the voting was as follows:-
FOR: Councillors Arnold, Barber, Barlow, Barton, Bourne, Buston, Chapman, Chuah, Coleman, Crow, Davidson, Davies, Dundas, Elliott, Ellis, Flores, Fox, Goss, Harris, Hayter, Hazell, Higgins, Hogg, Jarvis, Jowers, King, Laws, Liddy, Lilley, Lissimore, Loveland, Luxford Vaughan, F. Maclean, J. Maclean, Moore, B. Oxford, G. Oxford, P. Oxford, Pearson, Scordis, Scott-Boutell, Warnes, Willetts, Wood, J Young, T. Young, the Mayor (Chillingworth) and the Deputy Mayor (Cope).
AGAINST: None
ABSTAINED FROM VOTING: Councillor Whitehead