The Danish parliament on Tuesday approved a law that would ban the burning of the Koran in the country and send offenders to one or two years in prison. In the background: incidents of burning the Koran that led to outbursts of anger in the Muslim world and even threatened Danish properties.
Denmark: Copenhagen parliament bans burning of Quran | Reuters
Under the law, which passed by a majority of 94 out of 179 lawmakers, "inappropriate treatment of writings of significance to a recognized religious community" would be considered a criminal offense. Along with burning or tearing up sacred scriptures, documentation of the act and its dissemination will also be considered an offense.
The decisive debate in the Danish parliament, today (Tuesday), photo: AP
The Justice Ministry in Copenhagen explained that the legislation was necessary in light of the "systematic degradation" of reporters, which threatens national security. "We must protect the security of Denmark and Danes," Justice Minister Peter Hummelgur said. "That's why it's important that we have a defense against the systematic desecration that we've seen for a long time." Last summer, the burning of the Koran led to a violent demonstration by Baghdad residents who tried to attack the Danish embassy in the city.
🚨📓🇩🇰 Denmark passed a law that prohibits the burning of the Quran in public places with up to 2 years in prison. Anti religion activists will submit an appeal to the European court soon. pic.twitter.com/GYJmiry4pJ
— Terror Alarm (@Terror_Alarm) December 7, 2023
The move drew criticism from both the Danish right and left. "History will judge us harshly and for good reasons," said Inger Stoiberg of the Danish Democrats, a right-wing anti-immigration party. "The story is whether restrictions on freedom of expression are set by us or dictated from outside."
On the left, Karina Luntzen of the Popular Socialist Party attacked the law. "Is Iran changing its laws because Denmark feels vulnerable to the actions of Iranians? Is Pakistan? Or maybe Saudi Arabia? The answer is no."
The law, introduced in Polketing back in April, has been amended to protect freedom of expression as much as possible. Now he only needs the signature of Queen Margrethe II.
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