ISLAMABAD: Amidst escalating terror threats and growing discontent in the Muslim world, the Danish government announced on Friday that it has formulated a bill. If approved, this bill could potentially result in a nationwide prohibition on Quran burnings.
The presentation of the bill in the country’s parliament is still pending.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, conveyed that the action conveys a “significant political message” to the global community.
The new bill establishes that burning a Quran would constitute a criminal offense, carrying penalties including a potential maximum prison term of two years.
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard clarified that the proposed legislation aims to be incorporated into the existing regulation that currently prohibits the desecration of flags from other countries.
The Danish law would prohibit the “improper treatment of objects of significant religious significance to a religious community”, he further said.
Speaking at a press conference, Hummelgaard stated that a series of recent Quran burnings amounted to ” “senseless taunts” designed to provoke “division and animosity.” He added that the key “rationale” for the ban was safeguarding national security.
Quran Burnings, Terrorism Alerts, and Legal Action in Denmark and Sweden
In the recent weeks, Denmark and Sweden have witnessed a series of public protests which included burning or damaging the copies of the Quran. This has sparked outrage in Muslim countries, urging the Nordic governments to halt these burnings.
After the Quran burnings, both the United States and the United Kingdom reported that Danish authorities had thwarted multiple planned “terror” plots and made arrests.
Hummelgaard said, “We can’t continue to stand by with our arms crossed while several individuals do everything they can to provoke violent reactions.”
The government dismissed protests from certain Danish opposition parties asserting that a ban on Quran burnings would encroach upon free speech.
“I fundamentally believe there are more civilised ways to express one’s views than burning things,” Hummelgaard further added.
Sweden, a neighboring country, has also indicated that it is exploring legal avenues to restrict Quran desecrations. This move is aimed at alleviating tensions following recent threats that prompted security authorities to elevate the terrorist threat level in the country.
The proposed bill would criminalize the public burning of the Quran, Torah, or Bible.
The exact timing for submitting the bill proposal to the 179-seat Danish Parliament remains uncertain.
