Councillors in Tower Hamlets, East London, have been told not to eat in town hall meetings during the Muslim month of Ramadan.
But the same council has renamed a staff Christmas party as a ‘festive meal’ and banned Guy Fawkes at bonfire night.
All elected councillors have been sent an email asking them to support Ramadan by not eating during daylight hours. Special arrangements have also been made to disrupt council meetings to allow for Muslim prayer.
The move has led to accusations that the Labour-run council is favouring one religion over others.
Councillor Stephanie Eaton, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: “I was rather disconcerted to see that the arrangements put in place for Ramadan, which we support for Muslim colleagues, have been imposed upon all councillors. “We object to the request that non-Muslim councillors observe the fasting rules for Ramadan. This sends out the wrong message to our community.”
Isn't it ironic, in light of the above, that Christians often hear the following response as they witness to others?:
"I don't want Christianity rammed down my throat." "You believe what you want to believe but don't force it upon me."
