Denmark Reviews Legal Options for Nationwide Ban on Islamic Call to Prayer

Denmark's Immigration Minister Morten Bødskov announced that the government is reviewing legal options for a nationwide ban on public broadcasts of the Islamic call to prayer. He stated that such practices do not belong in Denmark. The minister also said that some areas resemble the outskirts of Islamabad.

This proposal is part of the country's strict immigration policies under Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The idea has sparked debate over religious freedom. Experts have noted potential constitutional challenges that could arise from such a measure.

Human rights groups have warned that the ban could risk deepening social divisions and increasing Islamophobia. Bødskov belongs to the ruling Social Democratic Party. He mentioned that the government will resume assessments of the issue through information from the Ritzau news agency.

Strict local noise regulations already limit outdoor broadcasts of the call to prayer in certain areas, including the capital Copenhagen. Attempts to restrict these broadcasts were also discussed in the years 2020 and 2025. However, those efforts did not result in a nationwide ban.

The country is home to approximately 270,000 Muslims and around 100 mosques.