LUTON: The Chair of Luton Council of Faiths, Prof Zafar Khan, has said to banish hate speech, it is vital to build solidarity, trust and confidence, as he stressed the importance of collective efforts to achieve goals.
“We are committed to encouraging and promoting tolerance, respect and mutual understanding among people of all faiths and cultures, both in Luton and beyond,” said Prof Zafar in his message of tolerance and respect on United Nation’s International Day for Countering Hate Speech, which is observed on June 18.
Luton community leaders gathered outside Luton Town Hall to highlight their commitment that there is no place for hate in Luton.Representatives of communities that are too often subjected to hate speech met to demonstrate their unity to combat prejudice and hatred wherever it exists.
Noelette Hanley from the Luton Irish Forum assuring support to counter hate speech, said: “the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities face prejudice every day and it is important we amplify their voices to call out those responsible”.
Rosie Besnu , co-chair of Pride in Luton, said as a town full of beautiful people from different walks of life, “we still face challenges of hate speech and hate crime, which only makes us want to be stronger for those who don’t have a voice”.
Adam Divney, the council’s service director for citizen engagement and legal services, said: “We are committed to working with all our community leaders, organisers and residents to stamp out hate speech wherever to rears its ugly head.”