Denmark Proposes Bill to Ban Quran Burnings

Facts

The Danish government proposed legislation on Friday that would make it illegal to burn copies of any holy book, including the Quran, in public places.¹
Denmark's Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard stated that the law would be written in the same regulation that currently bans desecrating other countries' flags.²
Hummelgaard added that the country will prohibit 'improper treatment of objects of significant religious significance to a religious community' and make such acts 'punishable by fines or up to two years in prison.'³
The move follows multiple incidents in Denmark and Sweden where people publicly burned copies of the Quran, causing outrage in several Muslim countries and prompting calls to ban the practice.⁴
Terming the recent episodes of Quran burnings as 'senseless taunts' intended to incite 'discord and hatred,' Hummelgaard insisted that national security was the primary 'motivation' for the proposed legislation.²
While Sweden has ruled out changing its freedom of speech laws, it's reportedly examining legal avenues to limit Quran desecrations and reduce tensions in the country.²

Left narrative, as provided by WION. There are many more civilized ways to express opinions than burning holy books. People desecrating the Quran as a protest only want to provoke violence and harm Denmark's reputation and interests. The proposed legislation is for the public good and will protect Danish national security.
Right narrative, as provided by Spectator (UK). Though burning the Quran is an unsavory act, it's a slippery slope between protecting marginalized groups and infringing upon freedom of speech. Europe doesn't possess blasphemy laws for a reason: to facilitate a free society and allow residents to exercise their constitutional rights.