UK Green Party Adopts Policy Equating Zionism With Racism

The Green Party in England and Wales officially adopted a policy on Sunday equating Zionism with racism and calling for a single Palestinian state with equal rights for all, instead of Israel. The decision was made at the party's annual conference in Brighton, according to The Guardian.

The proposal, which passed with 1022 votes in favor and 813 against, is expected to face legal challenges from some party members. The new policy states that Zionism should be treated "like any other form of racism." It advocates for the establishment of one Palestinian state, replacing Israel, that guarantees equal rights for everyone.

The party's stance is based on the argument that Zionism is inherently racist because it "grants privileges to one ethnic group at the expense of subjugating others." The policy clarifies that it targets the "ideology and political practice of Zionism as defined within the proposal, not the religious or ethnic background of those who identify as Zionists," noting that "not all Jews are Zionists, and not all Zionists are Jews."

The proposal, titled "Zionism is Racism," was primarily supported by the "Greens for Palestine" group. A poll by "Jewish Greens" indicated internal division, with 81% of respondents stating they do not identify as Zionists.

When asked about the policy on Saturday, Green Party leader Zachary Polanski told the BBC that the proposal defines Zionism as "the ethnic cleansing and genocide of the Palestinian people," adding that he believes this "clearly represents racism."

In a statement following the vote, the Green Party affirmed that opposing racism is fundamental to its political identity. The party reiterated its consistent opposition to the illegal occupation of Palestinian and Syrian territories, its call for a halt to arms sales to the Israeli government, and its concerns regarding the situations in Gaza and the West Bank. The party emphasized that these positions, along with its commitment to equality, justice, human rights for all, and opposition to all forms of racism, remain central to its approach.