JEDDAH: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat has expressed its welcome for the adoption of a law by the Danish Parliament on December 7, 2023.
The law criminalizes the “inappropriate treatment of writings with significant religious importance for a recognized religious community.” H.E. Hissein Brahim Taha, the OIC Secretary-General, commended this crucial step, especially in the wake of incidents involving the desecration of copies of the holy Qur’an in several European countries.
The Secretary-General’s statement acknowledges the importance of Denmark’s initiative in addressing the issue of desecration of holy texts and religious hatred. He hopes that the newly adopted law will play a significant role in combatting such acts and fostering peaceful coexistence, tolerance, friendship, and harmony among followers of different religions, peoples, and communities.
Denmark’s commitment to criminalizing acts that target writings with religious significance is seen as a positive step in protecting the sanctity of religious texts. The OIC Secretary-General’s statement reflects the organization’s encouragement for legal measures aimed at preventing desecration and promoting a climate of understanding and respect among diverse religious communities. The hope is that this law will contribute to building bridges between different faiths and fostering a more tolerant and harmonious society.
