In response to several instances, including the burning of the Holy Quran, parliament of Denmark has passed a new law criminalizing the “inappropriate treatment” of holy literature. A law aimed at protecting religious beliefs received 94 votes in favor and 77 votes against the 179-seat Folketing.
The law expressly addresses conduct deemed disrespectful to religiously significant texts for recognized religious communities. This includes the degradation of holy books through burning, tearing, or other means.
Moreover, the decision took place in response to events this summer that sparked indignation in Muslim countries.
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard stressed the importance of ensuring Denmark’s and its residents’ security. The new law aims to address systemic insults and to protect religious symbols from improper abuse. After three years, the law will be reviewed.
Illegal Activities:
Publicly burning, destroying, or defiling holy texts is strictly illegal, especially in videos meant for broad distribution. Offenders face fines or up to two years in prison if they violate the law.
Notably, works of art that contain a little amount of desecration but are part of a broader artistic output are not subject to the ban.
Denmark faced protests and outrage in various Muslim countries this summer as a result of instances involving the desecration of the Holy Quran. The Act aims to address such actions and prevent them from happening again.
According to national police records, Denmark registered 483 cases of book burnings or flag burnings between July 21 and October 24, 2023. The new regulation aims to prevent such incidents and to protect religious symbols from disrespect.
The initial draft of the law faced criticism for potentially restricting freedom of expression. However, to address concerns that the bill would mirror a blasphemy law abolished in Denmark in 2017, amendments had proposed.
