Denmark Passes Law to Ban Quran Burnings

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The Facts

  • Denmark's parliament approved legislation on Thursday prohibiting the burning of holy books, including the Quran, in public places.

  • The bill, which criminalizes the "inappropriate treatment" of significant religious texts, was passed with 94 votes in favor and 77 in opposition within the 179-seat Folketing.


The Spin

Left narrative

There are multiple civilized ways to express opinions outside of the burning of holy books. People desecrating the Quran as a protest only want to provoke violence and harm Denmark's international reputation and interests. This new law balances the Nordic nation's deep-rooted commitment to free speech with the protection of Danish national security.

Right narrative

This law will only have a marginal impact, as criticizing religion in other ways — including through works of art where a minor part consists of desecration — remains legal. The legislation is simply a product of "political correctness,” designed to restrain the freedom of speech.

Narrative C

Though burning holy texts, including the Quran, is an unsavory act, it's a slippery slope between protecting marginalized groups and infringing upon freedom of speech. Europe doesn't possess blasphemy laws for a reason; Europe must continue to facilitate a free society, and allow residents to exercise their constitutional rights.


Metaculus Prediction


Political split

LEFT

RIGHT

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