Denmark’s parliamentary session slated for Tuesday will delve into a proposed legislation seeking to prohibit the burning of the Holy Quran, prompted by a series of incidents defiling the sacred text that ignited widespread ire across Muslim nations.
In late July, approximately 1,000 demonstrators sought to march toward the Danish embassy in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, responding to a rallying cry from the outspoken cleric Moqtada Sadr.
Citing a threat to national security, Denmark’s government underscores the necessity of addressing heightened tensions surrounding the desecration of religious texts.
The proposed bill aims to criminalize the act of treating a religious text of significant importance to a religious community inappropriately, whether done publicly or with the intention of wider dissemination. Those found guilty could face imprisonment for up to two years, according to a summary provided on the parliament’s website.
National police figures reveal a staggering 483 instances of book burnings or flag burnings recorded in Denmark between July 21 and October 24 this year.
Initially introduced in August, the bill underwent amendments due to concerns that its initial draft impinged on freedom of expression and presented enforcement challenges. The revised version now explicitly targets the improper treatment of religious scriptures, excluding objects of significant religious importance.
The initial draft faced criticism from various quarters, including politicians, artists, media entities, and freedom of speech experts, who viewed it as a revival of Denmark’s abolished blasphemy law in 2017.
Acknowledging the need for greater clarity and ease of enforcement, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard asserted in a statement that the refined legislation would specifically address the inappropriate handling of religious scriptures, making it more navigable for law enforcement and the judiciary.
The proposed legislation, if passed, will be incorporated into chapter 12 of Denmark’s penal code, focusing on matters of national security.
Recalling the global unrest in 2006 following the publication of caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the debate on the bill emphasizes the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the safeguarding of religious sentiments.
Following its first reading on Tuesday, the proposed bill will undergo committee scrutiny before advancing to two additional readings, culminating in a vote.
By AFP
