Parliament in Denmark decides to ban Koran burnings
Following the uproar in the Muslim world after a series of Koran burnings in Nordic countries, the Danish parliament has decided to ban such actions. After a debate lasting almost four hours, the bill was passed in the third reading in parliament on Thursday with a majority of 94 votes in favor and 77 against. According to the law, the "inappropriate use" of texts of religious significance, such as the de facto burning of the Koran, is prohibited.
Among other things, the law prohibits the public burning, defiling or trampling on religious texts. It is also forbidden to tear, cut or stab religious texts. Violations can result in penalties of up to two years in prison.
In Sweden in particular, but also in Denmark, there have been several incidents in recent months in which the Koran has been set on fire or the holy scriptures of Muslims have been desecrated in other ways. The actions led to tensions in the relationship between the two countries and Muslim countries and also triggered riots. In July, almost a thousand demonstrators marched to the Danish embassy in Baghdad in protest.
Denmark and Sweden stepped up their security measures in response to the tensions. According to the police, around 483 book or flag burnings were recorded in Denmark between July 21 and October 24.
There had been protests against the original version of the bill. Some politicians, artists, journalists and activists feared a return to a blasphemy law that was abolished in 2017. Following amendments, the law is now easier to implement, including for the police and judiciary, said Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard in October.
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- Despite concerns from some artists, journalists, and activists about a potential return to a blasphemy law, the Danish Parliament further strengthened its prohibition on the "more inappropriate" handling of religious texts, such as the Koran, following the ban on burnings.
- The new law in Denmark, which outlaws the public burning, defiling, or trampling of religious texts, including the Koran, represents a stark contrast to the recent series of koran burnings in Nordic countries, which sparked international outrage.
- In light of the forbidden Koran burnings and other desecration incidents in Denmark and Sweden, the Swedish and Danish governments have increased security measures, aiming to prevent further escalations and protect their relationships with Muslim countries.
Source: www.ntv.de
