Denmark is currently investigating one ban on burning Korans outside embassiesas a response to the pressure it was subjected to by the Muslim world after the Koran burnings in the country.
A similar ban in Sweden is not possible based on current legislation, but, on the other hand, an amendment to the law on incitement against ethnic groups could ban the burning of holy scriptures in general, according to Ove Bring, professor emeritus of international law and international law expert.
– You can introduce incitement against religion and holy scriptures. Then an amendment is needed in the criminal code, he says.
Restriction of freedom of demonstration
He believes that this should have been done already when sedition legislation was introduced in Sweden and believes that there is room to make exceptions in freedom of expression if national security considerations require it.
– It would still be possible to desecrate and criticize religion in debates and books – but you would not be allowed to do so in political demonstrations in front of, for example, embassies and mosques.
How easy is it?
– A parliamentary majority can implement such an amendment, says Ove Bring.
Was it not to succumb to the demands of other states?
– I don’t think it should be seen as us giving in to demands. This is a change that could have been implemented 20 years ago when the law was introduced.
Another way, according to Ove Bring, to stop the Koran burnings is to change the law of order – so that the police must also take into account the safety of the entire country and not just the safety of the place of the demonstration when issuing permits.
The Professor: Meetings can be moved
Joakim Nergelius, professor of law, however, believes that the Ordinance Act can already be interpreted in a different way today. The police could give permission for the gathering but move it to another location, he believes.
Watch the law professor give examples of when police have moved public gatherings in the video above.