The Danish way

Denmark has taken a step in the right direction by mulling to bring in legislation against sacrilegious acts. The proposed bill would outlaw burning of Holy Scriptures, including the Quran, and shall accompany with punitive retribution against violators. It is a welcome development, and will go a long way as other Scandinavian states, which are in the grip of a similar hate campaign fissures against the Muslim community, might join its ranks. Of late, Sweden and Denmark are in the eye of the storm as lunatics and bigots have taken it as a disgusting hobby to burn copies of the holy book, and commit other blasphemous acts merely on the pretext of the freedom of speech. Whereas, the intention remains to hurt a community for its beliefs and bring to the fore the sense of otherness in a welfare state, which is an antithesis of its very foundations of an inclusive governance.

Copenhagen’s sincerity is evident from the fact that the new bill will fall under the purview of national security. But, unfortunately, there is a lacuna in it. The law, however, will not encompass ‘verbal and written expressions’ offensive to religious communities. This assumption is, perhaps, under the canon of freedom of speech, and is self-defeating. A glance at its checkered communal history suggests that caricatures of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) had been at the root-cause of worldwide protests, and had led to backlash on the trade and diplomacy forums.

While it is appreciated that the Western government(s) are gradually understanding the indispensable importance of forbearance when it comes to accommodating Islamic point of view against blasphemy of divine revelations and personalities, what is required is a blanket ban on hurting others sentiments in any form or manifestation. Such abhorrent acts fuel hatred beyond geographical boundaries, and harm inter-faith harmony. The Western civilisation is marked for respect, compassion and a sense of understanding, but it doesn’t seem to be the case when it comes to confronting maniacs in their own society. Let’s end this selective approach too.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2023.

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