BNP leader Nick Griffin is due to lead a demonstration in Sunderland tomorrow.
Mr Griffin and members of his party are planning to take part in a demonstration against the use of halal meat in Subway sandwich shops in the city.
However, despite claiming their protest is neither politically or racially motivated, their plans were today condemned.
Tahir Khan, chairman of the multi-cultural organisation Unity, said: “Picking on religious beliefs is very evil-minded and is wrong morally. I think the BNP is just wasting its time and resources.”
As part of a day of action, they plan to congregate outside the St Luke’s Terrace Subway shop in Pallion to raise awareness about what they claim is a “barbaric” practice.
In the past, the party has taken part in similar protests in other parts of the country, including South Tyneside.
Martin Vaughan, North East BNP representative, said: “My party has campaigned for many years about the barbaric slaughter of these poor animals.
“They should not be ritually slaughtered in this country and it’s a barbaric way to kill animals.
“It’s got nothing to do with religion.It’s all about the health and safety of the animals. It’s diabolical that this is allowed in this country.”
According to Islamic law, halal meat must come from a healthy animal, the butcher must make a recitation dedicating it to God, and the jugular vein, carotid artery and windpipe must be cut before the blood is drained.
With non-halal meat, the animal is stunned before having its throat slit.
The BNP also plans on lobbying the RSPCA about the issue, which they claim the animal charity ignores.
But Mr Khan, chairman of Unity the multi-cultural organisation, has hit back, saying attacking religious rituals is “cruel”.
He said: “The killing of any animal can be seen as cruel but it does not give them the right to object or make an issue about someone’s religion.”
BNP chairman Griffin is expected to attend the demonstration before the group move on to Jarrow. Later tomorrow, he is due addresses a branch meeting in South Tyneside in the evening.
Northumbria Police told the Echo they were aware of the demonstration.
A spokeswoman said: “Police are aware of possible BNP activity taking place in Sunderland tomorrow and as is always the case we’re working to establish the extent and make contact with members.”
No-one from Subway was available to comment.