I do not like Islam. I do not like religion. However, that doesn't mean I don't tolerate Muslims and nor does it mean I don't tolerate religions.
I know there's a lot of hate being directed towards Muslims as a result of rampant Islamic terror, but to blame an entire people for the actions of a small section of its adherents goes against the fundamental pillars which make western society the most envied in the world. I'm not going to defend Islam, but I will defend Muslims who want to practice their religion while also contributing to the betterment of society.
In saying that, there's no doubt that (some) British Muslims harbour views which are completely unacceptable. According to a poll conducted by Channel 4: over fifty percent of all Muslims said they want homosexuality made illegal, nearly forty percent said a woman should always obey their husband and around one in four said they would support the introduction of Sharia Law as part of the British judiciary process. If Muslims are to assimilate as part of British society, these backward conservative views need to be challenged. Fundamentally, the eradication of faith schools and emphasis on community cohesion will destruct the barriers which inhibit social unity and allow for all Britons to hold a monolithic sense of togetherness.
It seems to be unanimous that when we think of Islam we tend to think of countries like Saudi Arabia - where women can't drive - and Yemen - where young girls are forced into polygamous marriage; Iraq, Syria and Libya - countries which have been plagued with heinous dictatorships and are now infested with radical Islamic terror groups; and deprived hellholes like Niger, Mali and the Sudan in the north of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, I'd advice people to look at how different Muslim countries such as Tunisia - which has elected a secular, progressive government; Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE, Azerbaijan and Bosnia. Although these countries aren't perfect, they do challenge the narrative.
Should Muslims be banned? No. However, political correctness needs abandoned so an open and frank discussion regarding Islamic conservatism and social harmony can be brought to the open.