Arrr! Denmark be puttin' a stop to scalliwags defilin' holy tomes, mateys! Tensions be risin' o'er Quran burnin'!
2023-12-07
Arr! The Danish scallywags be decreein' a law to prevent the scurvy dogs from tamperin' with any sacred tomes, after the global rumble o'er the desecratin' of the Quran. Ahoy, no more mischief with the holy writ!
A new law was passed in Denmark's parliament that makes it illegal to desecrate any holy text in the country. This comes after a recent string of public desecrations of the Quran by anti-Islam activists sparked angry demonstrations in Muslim countries. The purpose of the law is to counter the "systematic mockery" that has contributed to the intensifying threat of terrorism in Denmark, according to the justice ministry. The law aims to protect the security of Denmark and its people.The law was adopted in a 94-77 vote in parliament. It will make it a crime to inappropriately treat or publicly display a religious text with significant religious significance. However, works of art that include a minor part of desecration but are part of a larger artistic production are not covered by the ban.
During the debate over the law, left-leaning and far-right parties united against the center-right government, accusing them of being cowards. Some politicians argued that the law was a capitulation to Islam and a betrayal of Danish values.
Denmark has faced criticism abroad for facilitating insults and denigration of other cultures and religions. However, the government maintains that freedom of expression is an important value in Danish society, and there are no plans to reintroduce a blasphemy clause.
The violation of the new law can result in fines or up to two years in prison. Queen Margrethe is expected to formally sign the law later this month for it to take effect.
In neighboring Sweden, which has also seen Quran burnings and requests for protests involving the destruction of holy books, a government-appointed investigation will determine whether to review the police ordinance regarding such assemblies. Sweden does not have any laws specifically prohibiting the burning or desecration of religious texts.