Law proposals
🚨 The government wants to introduce the harshest penalties ever for opioid-related crimes, increasing sentences by over 400%. The goal is to target dealers and prevent a potential crisis, as opioids have become the second-most used drug among young people (after cannabis). The justice minister says opioids are even more dangerous than cocaine and wants to make them the most severely punished drug category. The plan also includes harsher penalties for drug sales targeting minors and easier seizure of vehicles used for drug trafficking. If approved, the law will take effect on July 1, 2025.
🧬 Denmark is on the verge of a forensic breakthrough. A new law proposal will allow police to search private DNA databases in serious criminal cases like murder. The homicide investigators call it a game-changer on par with fingerprint analysis. While forensic experts see massive potential in tracking suspects through distant relatives, the Ethics Council warns of privacy concerns. If passed, the system could be operational before summer, linking people in Denmark through shared great-great-grandparents and streamlining police investigations.
Political scene
🔥 A united right-wing (blue) opposition wants to abolish the law that criminalizes religious book burning and the racism clause, arguing that they weaken democracy and restrict free speech. In a joint op-ed, leaders from Liberal Alliance (Libertarian Conservatives), Konservative (Conservatives), DD (Populist Nationalists), and DF (Nationalist Conservatives) claim the law was introduced under pressure from the Middle East. Inger Støjberg of DD calls it a setback for freedom and equality, while Socialdemokratiet (Social Democrats) defend the law, saying it has reduced incidents of religious book burnings and lowered Denmark’s terror threat.
🏫💬 The government is split over whether to ban prayer rooms in public educational institutions. Venstre (Liberals) want them gone, arguing they reinforce social control, particularly over women. Moderaterne (Social Liberals) disagree, saying universities should decide for themselves, while Socialdemokratiet wants more research before taking a stance. A recent report found that some students feel pressured to attend prayer rooms, but others see them as harmless spaces for reflection. On campuses, students question why this is even a political issue, comparing it to banning Friday bars just because people can drink at home.
🚧 Germany’s border plan could disrupt commuters from Denmark. If Friedrich Merz becomes Germany’s next chancellor, his plan for permanent border controls could mean longer wait times for commuters. The CDU leader has pledged to tighten Germany’s borders to curb illegal immigration, even if it contradicts the Schengen Agreement. While current checks are spot-based, a permanent system could bring stricter enforcement. However, political realities may force Merz to compromise if he needs coalition partners like the Social Democrats or the Greens.
🍼 Should anonymous sperm donation be banned? Every year, around 1,300 children in Denmark are born via sperm donation, many from anonymous donors. But is it time to end the secrecy? Critics argue that everyone has a right to know their origins, citing the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child. Sweden and Norway have already limited anonymous donations, and now Denmark may follow. The health minister says she’s open to discussing the issue in Parliament.
💍 Ashes to jewelry? Denmark considers new rules. Turning pet ashes into jewelry is no longer a taboo, but what about human remains? Danish designer Andrea van Webber has been making memorial jewelry from cremated pets for 15 years and says demand for human ash jewelry is growing. Currently, Danish law prohibits this under “indecent handling of a corpse,” but the church minister is open to revising the legislation. Ethical concerns remain, with critics arguing that loved ones should be carried in the heart, not around the neck.
