Denmark adopts law banning Koran burnings after Muslim fury over defiled texts

Under the law, it will be forbidden to burn, tear, or defile holy texts publicly or in videos intended to be disseminated widely – or face 2 years in prison

Denmark and neighbouring Sweden became the focus of anger across several Muslim countries after protests involving burnings and desecrations of the Koran

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Denmark has adopted a law that bans the burning of the Koran. Photo: dpa

Published: 12:00am, 8 Dec 2023Updated: 12:33am, 8 Dec 2023

Denmark’s parliament on Thursday adopted a law criminalising the “inappropriate treatment” of religious texts, effectively banning Koran burnings after a series of desecrations of Islam’s holy book sparked anger in Muslim countries over the summer.

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 Folketing.

In practical terms, it will be forbidden to burn, tear, or otherwise defile holy texts publicly or in videos intended to be disseminated widely.

The Danish Parliament debate a bill to ban burnings of the Koran. Photo: AFP

Those who break the law risk a fine or up to two years in prison.

The law, which has a narrower scope than originally proposed, is primarily aimed at “protecting the safety of Danes” while still giving “ample opportunity” to criticise religion, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said at a parliament hearing last month.

Over the summer, Denmark and neighbouring Sweden became the focus of anger across several Muslim countries after a slew of protests involving burnings and desecrations of the Koran.

Nearly a thousand protesters attempted to march to the Danish embassy in Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone in late July following a call by firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr.