Government to set up freedom of speech commission

Denmark has always held freedom of speech in high esteem and feels that it is something that needs to be safeguarded

A parliamentary vote on May 31 last year produced a solid majority in favour of setting up a freedom of speech commission. This came about in connection with the agreement on measures designed to combat so-called fanatical clerics.

Søren Pape Poulsen, the minister of justice, has now sent his proposals to the other political parties involved, the ministry website reveals.

The job of the commission is to describe the legal framework for freedom of speech in Denmark, its historical development and the social conditions that play an important role in the freedom of speech in the country.

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“Freedom of expression is one of the prerequisites for our democracy and society. That’s why we have to ensure that the framework for free debate is strong enough,” said Poulsen.

“We will do all we can to safeguard free political debate and the free exchange of ideas and views on which our society is built.”