On Friday, the Danish government presented a draft law banning the burning of the Qur’an, after the unrest that occurred in several Muslim countries due to the desecration of copies of the Qur’an in Denmark.

Justice Minister Peter Hammelgaard said during a press conference that the law "will prohibit dealing in an inappropriate manner with objects of great religious importance to a religion," explaining that the legislation aims specifically to prohibit the burning of these objects and symbols and their desecration in public places.

The minister said that the burning of the Qur'an, which he described as "basically showing contempt and a lack of sympathy ... offends Denmark and harms its interests."

The new provision is to be included in Chapter 12 of the Penal Code, which is related to national security.

The minister added that "This is at the heart and drive of what we do... We cannot sit idly by while a few individuals do everything they can to provoke violent reactions."

The provision would also apply to the desecration of the Bible, the Torah or religious symbols such as the cross, with the offender punishable by a fine and two years in prison.