Limitations to Freedom of Religion or Belief in Denmark

Abstract

The article analyses legislative changes in the area of freedom of religion or belief in Denmark between 2014 and 2018. Recent legislation has placed pressure particularly on religious minorities to limit certain religious manifestations, and it is possible to trace a certain “juridification” of freedom of religion, by which the values underlying freedom of religion according to international standards are not always fully reflected. Additionally, there is a tendency to address societal concerns by means of legal interventions. The article argues that by making increased use of soft law developed by the EU, the Council of Europe and the UN, Danish lawmakers would be able to reach a more comprehensive understanding of freedom of religion or belief as well as include non-legal solutions to societal concerns. It further argues that while Denmark’s national (Lutheran) church possess the majority of constituents, nonetheless its privileged position may paradoxically strengthen freedom of religion for religious minorities.