Denmark enacts law against tearing down and burning Quran

Denmark’s parliament has passed a bill that makes it illegal to burn copies of the Quran in public places or in videos.

The bill, which prohibits “inappropriate treatment of writings with significant religious importance for a recognised religious community”, was passed with 94 votes in favour and 77 opposed in the 179-seat the Danish Parliament.

“We must protect the security of Denmark and the Danes(people). Therefore, it is important that we now have better protection against the systematic insults we have seen for a long time,” Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said in a statement.

Those who break the law risk a fine or up to two years in prison. Before it takes effect, Queen Margrethe needs to formally sign it. That is expected to happen this month.

In practical terms, it will be forbidden to burn, tear or otherwise defile holy texts publicly or in videos intended to be disseminated widely. Those who break the law, which will be evaluated after three years, risk a fine or up to two years in prison.

Denmark’s far- right is not happy

Inger Stojberg, leader of far-right Denmark termed the legislation ” a betrayal. A huge failure on the part of the government”.

Denmark is not the only European country to have banned burnings of the Koran. According to Denmark’s justice ministry, eight European countries — Austria, Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Italy, Poland and Romania — do so to varying degrees.