UK extends scheme to protect Hindu, Muslim, Sikh places of worship

LONDON : The Theresa May government on Tuesday extended the “Places of Worship Scheme” that funds measures to install security measures in temples, mosques and gurdwaras to protect them against growing incidents of religious hate crime.

The Home Office has awarded nearly £800,000 in the latest round of funding through the scheme launched in 2016, initially for three years. The scheme has now been extended from three to four years, officials said. The latest funding is for protection measures at nine churches, 22 mosques, two Hindu temples and 12 gurdwaras.

The new details were announced as part of a “refresh” of the Home Office’s “hate crime action plan”, which includes a review of current law. Both misogyny (prejudice against women) and misandry (prejudice against men) will be considered, besides attitudes towards alternative lifestyles such as goth subculture, and age.

Minister for countering extremism Susan Williams said: “While I am proud that the UK continues to be a tolerant country we know that, sadly, there are pockets of people who attempt to intimidate religious communities...”.