Egypt has praised Denmark’s decision to ban the desecration of religious texts following a series of Qur’an burnings in the country. The new legislation, which passed on December 7 after months of parliamentary debate, aims to stop the burning of religious books.
Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed hope that the law would promote tolerance and moderation, and help to establish a culture of civilizational dialogue between countries based on cultural diversity. The ministry added that Qur’an burnings are a hindrance to such efforts.
Egypt has reiterated its condemnation of insults to any belief or religion, while also stressing the importance of upholding freedom of opinion. In a statement, the ministry called on other European countries to follow Denmark’s example and criminalize the inappropriate treatment of writings with significant importance for recognized religious communities.
In July 2023, Egypt summoned Denmark’s ambassador after five anti-Islam activists set fire to a Qur’an in front of the Egyptian embassy in Copenhagen. At the time, Egypt called on Denmark and other countries that have witnessed similar events to “take concrete actions to stop these unfortunate incidents once and for all.”
In August 2023, Mohammed Mokhtar Gomaa, Egypt’s minister of religious endowments, denounced the Qur’an burnings in Denmark and neighboring Sweden. He called on both countries to take swift action to prevent these abuses and amend any laws that support and encourage religious hatred and allow the offense to the religious sanctities of all religions.
