Boris Johnson’s ‘inflammatory’ burka rant risks ‘vilifying Muslim women,’ UK’s equality watchdog says

BORIS JOHNSON’s burka blast was branded “inflammatory and divisive” by the UK’s equalities watchdog.

In a scathing attack the Equality and Human Rights Commission said his explosive comments risked “vilifying Muslim women.”

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Dozens of complaints about his letterbox comments are thought to have been received by the Tory Party. Party grandee Iain Duncan Smith joined Lord Tebbit in coming to his defence.

But Equality chief Rebecca Hilsenrath said: “The effectiveness of our democratic society depends on freedom of expression, and the expression of offensive and intolerant opinions is generally not unlawful.

“Boris Johnson’s use of language in this instance, which risks dehumanising and vilifying Muslim women, is inflammatory and divisive.

“Political figures should lead by example, conducting debates in a responsible manner, and language such as this can inhibit legitimate dialogue.”

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One hundred Muslim women who wear the Niqab or Burka have signed a letter calling on the Tories to suspend Mr Johnson.

Some 30 protestors have also targeted his Uxbridge constituency to demand his resignation.

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In their letter, the women wrote: “We are not forced to make these clothing choices, nor are we oppressed.”

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