In response to a series of Holy Quran burnings within its borders, Denmark has revealed plans to criminalize such acts that have triggered anger in Muslim nations across the globe. Following suit, neighboring Sweden has also heightened security measures due to similar incidents. The Danish government intends to prohibit the “improper treatment of objects of significant religious importance,” particularly emphasizing burnings and desecrations carried out in public spaces.
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard emphasized the proposed legislation’s focus on protecting national security, adding that Holy Quran burnings were not only “contemptuous” but also detrimental to Denmark’s interests. The new law will find its place within Denmark’s penal code, under chapter 12 which addresses matters of national security.
Nearly a thousand demonstrators rallied at the Danish embassy in Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone in July, prompted by firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr’s call. The simmering tensions led both Sweden and Denmark to bolster their border controls.
The proposed Danish law aims to extend protection to other religious texts, including the Bible, the Torah, and religious symbols like crucifixes. Violators may face fines or imprisonment of up to two years. However, the legislation refrains from curbing “verbal or written expressions” offensive to religious communities, preserving Denmark’s commitment to freedom of expression laws.
While criticism has arisen from some opposition parties who fear that the ban could infringe on freedom of speech, the legislation is anticipated to be introduced to parliament on September 1. The government’s majority assures its likely passage.
Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen acknowledged the “enormous anger in the entire world” sparked by the Holy Quran burnings, with the situation currently in a precarious and unpredictable state. Rasmussen indicated that further burnings might occur before the new law comes into effect.
The Holy Quran desecrations have propelled Denmark into the international spotlight, echoing past controversies such as the 2006 wave of anti-Danish sentiment following the publication of Prophet Muhammad caricatures. As Sweden heightens its terror alert level, the Swedish government, while defending freedom of speech and assembly, is considering legal avenues to curtail protests involving the burning of holy texts.
Amidst these incidents, a recent protest against Quran desecration led to intervention by plainclothes police in Sweden. The clash underscored the delicate balance between freedom of expression and safeguarding religious sensitivities.