2024/01/04 Denmark (International Christian Issues) — In late December 2023, Denmark’s parliament amended parts of its criminal code to condemn blasphemy. The code section says:[A] people will be punished [when they] publicly or intentionally [influencing] a wider range is guilty [the crime] Objects that appear to be from or appear to be texts from recognized religious organizations. ”
The proposed amendment is contained in Article 110 of the Danish Penal Code, which deals with publicly mocking foreign countries in various ways. This addition makes clear that the objective is to protect Denmark’s diplomatic relations. But despite the wording and location, blasphemy laws of all kinds are highly problematic around the world, with Denmark repealing its previous blasphemy law in 2017.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) condemned the decision by the Danish parliament. USCIRF Director David Currie, while making it clear that USCIRF condemns the burning of religious documents and other items of religious significance, said, “Criminalizing blasphemy is the wrong approach and is a security threat.” “It has not been effective in addressing either the above concerns or the underlying hatred experienced by religious communities.” ”
Throughout 2023, Denmark and neighboring Sweden faced several challenges regarding the destruction and reduction of multiple religious documents. In June, Iraqi immigrants to Sweden were allowed to burn Korans outside a mosque in Stockholm, and in response Swedish authorities allowed them to burn Torahs and Bibles in front of the Israeli embassy in July. There was global outrage over these events, and several Nordic countries, including Denmark, faced intense backlash due to their historical treatment of the world document.
International Christian Concern (ICC) prays for those who are facing dire circumstances as new criminal laws impose new restrictions on religious freedom. We pray that this amendment will be used for its intended purpose of maintaining diplomatic relations and not be applied to further persecution. We praise God for having a perfect plan and acting with perfect justice.