Denmark debates bill to ban Quran burnings

The Danish parliament is set to enter into a debate regarding a proposed bill aimed at banning Quran burnings. 

This decision comes in the wake of several incidents where copies of Islam’s holy book were desecrated, sparking outrage in Muslim countries across the globe.

In late July, nearly 1000 protesters gathered and attempted to march to the Danish embassy in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone following a call by cleric Moqtada Sadr. The Danish government expressed concerns over the escalating tensions.

Denmark debates bill to ban Quran burnings

The bill under discussion seeks to criminalize the act of treating a religious text with strong religious significance for a community in an inappropriate manner, especially when done publicly or with the intention of widespread dissemination.

Offenders, if convicted, could potentially face up to two years in prison.

According to national police figures, between July 21 and October 24 of this year, a staggering 483 incidents of book burnings or flag burnings were recorded in Denmark.

In response to early criticisms that the initial draft of the bill limited freedom of expression and posed enforcement challenges, amendments have been made to specifically target improper treatment of significant religious scriptures.

Initially, the bill was intended to encompass objects of religious significance. However, it has now been narrowed down to strictly focusing on scriptures of religious importance.

This change was aimed at addressing concerns raised by politicians, artists, media, and freedom of speech experts who saw the initial draft as a reintroduction of a blasphemy law that Denmark had abolished in 2017.

Law enforcement authorities also expressed worries about the difficulty of enforcing the original proposal.

The updated legislation, if passed, will be incorporated into Chapter 12 of Denmark’s penal code, which is dedicated to matters of national security. It is worth noting that in 2006, Denmark faced a wave of anger and violence in the Muslim world after the publication of controversial caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed.

Following the first reading of the proposed bill, it will undergo review by a committee and then proceed to two more readings before a vote can take place. The outcome of these discussions will shape Denmark’s stance on Quran burnings and the protection of religious texts.