Although the recently reported increase in ‘honour’ killings in the UK was given prominence by the BBC, and a fair amount of dutiful coverage in newspapers, it seems to have been comparatively overlooked in the comments/editorial sections of the papers, as well as in the blogosphere. Of course, some blogs have pounced on the story – Jihad Watch and Atlas Shrugs for example – but the left/liberal blogs I bookmark and read regularly have (as far as I’ve noticed) been silent on the issue. (It’s the kind of thing Rumbold would normally have covered but he seems to be giving blogging a rest at the moment.)
It’s important that this serious, indeed horrific, issue isn’t allowed to be monopolised by anti-jihad* wingnut sites or the BNP. So I was glad to see that Nick Lowles has posted a good short article on the Hope not Hate blog, ‘The shame of honour attacks’:
There will be some who say that highlighting this problem plays into the hands of racists but ignoring the issue is letting down the women who are the victims of these attacks.
It is imperative for anyone who believes in equality and tolerance that we speak out against honour attacks and encourage stronger legislation and awareness amongst police forces, health services and communities of all backgrounds.
I’d just add – picking up on the first point there – that ignoring the problem also plays into the hands of racists.
*See comments.
