Denmark seeks to legally prevent burnings of the Quran

The Danish government seeks to make it illegal to desecrate the Quran or other holy books according to a recent statement by the Danish Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

“The burnings are deeply offensive and reckless acts committed by few individuals. These few individuals do not represent the values the Danish society is built on,” Løkke said in a separate statement.

“The Danish government will explore the possibility of interfering in situations where other countries, cultures, and religions are being insulted. Situations that could have significant negative consequences for Denmark. Not least with regard to security,” he said.

Denmark and Sweden have found themselves in the interna - tional spotlight, following anti-Islam protests where the Quran has been damaged or burned, which has offended Muslims around the world. Both countries have said they condemn the burnings, but cannot prevent it under the rules protecting freedom of speech.

Rasmussen added that whatever measure is taken, must of course be done within the framework of the constitutionally protected freedom of expression and in a manner that does not change the fact that freedom of expression in Denmark has a very broad range.