The United States and a few European states like the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Austria and Scandinavian countries have long tolerated anti-Muslim protests, films, and literature despite knowing that such willfully, planned, and officially sponsored acts offend almost two billion Muslims worldwide.
Persistent requests to burn the Holy Quran under the guise of “secular Western values” like individual liberty and freedoms are now supported by the government in various European countries. However, in a commendable move the Danish government has proposed a bill that would make it illegal to desecrate the Quran or any other religious holy book in public places. Pakistan has welcomed the move, calling it as a step in the right direction.
The bill, which was announced on Friday, August 25, 2023, by Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard, aims to protect national security and send a signal to the world that Denmark respects religious freedom and diversity. The bill would amend the criminal code to prohibit the “improper treatment of objects of significant religious meaning to a religious community”, punishable by fines or up to two years in prison.
The bill was prompted by a series of Quran burnings in Denmark and neighboring Sweden in recent months, which sparked outrage and demonstrations in several Muslim countries. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) called on its members to take appropriate action against countries where the Quran was being desecrated. The US and UK governments also warned that the incidents had intensified the terrorist threat in the region.
It’s high time the other Western countries follow Denmark’s example and realize that there is a fine line between free speech and Islamophobia, which is, unfortunately, being crossed again and again, jeopardizing coexistence of different faiths. Incitement to hatred and violence must be clearly separated from free speech in all legal systems around the world. Beyond legislation, Western media organizations have a duty to promote respectful discourse and counter Islamophobic sentiments.
