Is liberalism compatible with multiculturalism?

Liberalism is a political ideology that enshrines liberty through a state that protects rights, equality before the law, capitalism, individualism and government by consent, as some of the key notions. Multiculturalism refers the policies or processes whereby the distinctive identities of the cultural groups within a society are maintained and supported, it is largely seen as an incoherent ideology due to the various strands of thought, and therefore not compatible with a singular ideology.Yes - they are compatible: Multiculturalism supports tolerance for minority cultures and communities, this is compatible with the liberal notion of government by consent and enables individuals to be fulfilled according to their culture. Multiculturalism creates a form of social contract, another key liberal idea, as multiculturalism requires formal recognition and respect of different values. Isaiah Berlin is a modern liberal who believes they are compatible as the state shouldn't interfere with the freedom of individuals to express themselves through culture (limited government), it should be up to each community to resolve their own issues.No - they aren't compatible: Liberals are less comfortable affirming cultures that are explicitly illiberal, for example cultures/religions that don't treat men and women equally, as this contradicts the idea of equality in liberalism so therefore these cultures shouldn't be tolerated. Liberalism stresses the freedom of the individual while multiculturalism stresses the importance of the community and doesn't emphasise the needs of individuals. John Stuart Mill's 'harm principle' - all behaviours and cultures should be tolerated as long as they don't harm others - in multiculturalism there may be cultures that betray this principle that will still be supported by the state as all groups in a multiculturalist society would be protected.