By Muslim Mirror Staff
In response to a series of Quran burnings that have sparked outrage in Muslim countries, the Danish government has put forward a proposal to ban the public burning of religious texts such as the Quran and the Bible. The move comes after numerous incidents of Quran burnings in recent weeks, leading to widespread condemnation and concerns over national security.
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard, speaking at a press conference, emphasized that the proposed ban aims to protect Denmark’s reputation and the safety of its citizens. The law, if enacted, will classify the improper treatment of religious texts as a criminal offense. Those found guilty could face fines and jail sentences of up to two years.
The centre-right government, underlining its commitment to sending a strong message to the global community, intends to address the issue through legal means. Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen highlighted the surge in demonstrations, including the burning of Qurans in front of foreign embassies, as a factor that has intensified concerns about terrorism threats in the country.
Denmark’s intelligence agency, PET, has issued warnings about the escalating terrorist threat following these incidents. Similarly, neighboring Sweden has also witnessed a rise in Quran burnings, prompting its security service to issue warnings about deteriorating security conditions. In July, the Swedish embassy in Iraq was set ablaze by protesters, further exacerbating the situation.
Both Denmark and Sweden, known for their liberal laws on freedom of expression, had been cautious in responding to these incidents due to the potential clash with their commitment to freedom of speech. Sweden, in particular, abolished its blasphemy laws in the 1970s.
However, the recent surge in Quran burnings prompted Denmark to take action. The Danish government’s proposal was fueled by a desire to protect national security while still upholding democratic principles. The justice minister clarified that the proposed law would not target verbal expressions, written communication, or satirical drawings. Instead, the focus is squarely on preventing actions that breed division and hatred.
Deputy Prime Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen reinforced the importance of responsible behavior within the bounds of freedom of expression. He emphasized that Denmark cannot overlook actions that have adverse implications for its security.
Meanwhile, Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, announced that Sweden would not follow Denmark’s path due to the potential need for constitutional amendments. Instead, Sweden plans to review its public order laws to curb gatherings that pose threats to public security.
The Danish government is set to present its proposed changes to the law on September 1st, with the intention of passing them through parliament by the end of the year. The proposed ban is likely to be incorporated into a section of the criminal code that already prohibits public insults directed at foreign states, their flags, or other symbols.
