LONDON, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- London Mayor Ken Livingstone has compared recent criticism of British Muslims to prejudices faced by Jews in the late 19th century.
Livingstone, while revealing a new poll suggesting 75 percent of Londoners support the rights of Muslims and other religious groups to dress "in accordance with their religious beliefs," said there have been a "barrage" of attacks on the religious and cultural expression freedoms of British Muslims, The Guardian reported Monday.
The mayor made reference to comments from government officials who have called for Muslim leaders to do more to root out extremists and comments from Jack Straw, the leader of the House of Commons, regarding Muslim women who wear veils.
"Over recent weeks we have seen a demonization of Muslims only comparable to the demonization of Jews from the end of the 19th century. As at that time, the attack on Muslims in reality threatens freedoms for all of us, which took hundreds of years to win -- freedom of conscience and freedom of cultural expression. Every person who values their right to follow the religion of their choice or none should stand with the Muslim communities today."
