Equality Watchdog Investigates Green Party Over 'Zionism is Racism' Motion
The EHRC has written to the Green Party seeking further information on a controversial motion passed by members that has drawn criticism from MPs and Jewish groups.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has contacted the Green Party of England and Wales regarding a motion passed by its members that describes Zionism as a racist ideology. The watchdog is seeking more information to assess the motion's practical implications and potential impact, following complaints alleging unlawful activity under the Equality Act 2010.
Concerns have been raised that Jewish individuals could face discrimination due to their beliefs following the adoption of the motion, which was passed at the party's conference earlier this month. The motion defined Zionism as an ideology supporting "an ethnonationalist Jewish state in historic Palestine to the exclusion and/or domination of the non-Jewish population."
Dozens of MPs from other parties, alongside Jewish campaigners, alerted the regulator to their concerns about antisemitism. Four of the five Green Party MPs and two former leaders also criticized the motion, with one describing it as "dangerous" and "divisive."
In a letter to the EHRC, some MPs expressed unease not only about the motion itself but also about the rejection of amendments intended to protect Jewish Green Party members who hold Zionist views. These developments, they argued, raised serious questions about whether Jewish members could participate equally and freely within the party, and if their religious affiliations could lead to complaints or disciplinary action.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism also wrote to the EHRC, alleging that the party had breached the Equality Act through discrimination against Jewish people. The campaign group stated that the motion effectively questions the existence of Israel and labels support for a Jewish homeland as racist.
The Green Party, in its response to the EHRC, affirmed that it "will not discriminate against or exclude people for holding Zionist views." The party stated that the motion reflects a political stance with "no impact on membership conditions or internal disciplinary processes." A spokesperson added that the party's existing antisemitism guidance remains unchanged and that the party is committed to combating antisemitism and ensuring Jewish members feel welcomed and respected.