Religious discrimination

In this chapter, Thompson examines how religious identity can be a basis for discrimination that intersects with racism. He explores key forms of religious discrimination – sectarianism, anti-semitism, Islamophobia and prejudice against atheists – arguing that these often overlap with cultural and ethnic biases. The chapter emphasizes that religion, like race, is a deeply embedded aspect of identity and community, making its denigration especially harmful. Thompson highlights how media portrayals, political narratives and institutional policies can perpetuate religious discrimination, sometimes under the guise of neutrality or security concerns. He stresses that anti-racist practice must include a commitment to religious inclusion and respect for spiritual diversity. Recognizing the connections between religion, culture and ethnicity can help practitioners avoid narrow or fragmented approaches. Ultimately, this chapter calls for a broader vision of anti-discriminatory practice – one that embraces both secular and faith-based identities as integral to human dignity and social justice.