Denmark Passes Law Banning Desecration of Holy Texts

The new legislation, aimed at combating 'systematic mockery', could lead to fines or imprisonment for up to two years.

Denmark's parliament has passed a law making it illegal to desecrate any holy text, including the Quran, in response to a series of public desecrations that sparked angry demonstrations in Muslim countries.
The law, passed with 94 votes in favor and 77 against, criminalizes the 'inappropriate treatment of writings with significant religious importance for a recognized religious community'.
Offenders could face a fine or up to two years in prison. The law also covers the desecration of holy texts in videos intended for wide dissemination.
The Danish Justice Ministry has said the law aims to combat the 'systematic mockery' that raises terror threat levels in Denmark.
Critics of the bill argue it restricts freedom of expression, with right-wing politician Inger Stojberg stating, 'History will judge us harshly for this...'