Denmark moves to ban Islamic call to prayer, says it has no place in the country

Denmark is set to launch a fresh bid to ban the Islamic call to prayer, with the country’s business minister warning that parts of the nation risk sounding like “a suburb of Islamabad” if action is not taken. 

Morten Bodskov, a senior Social Democrat, announced the Government would reopen an investigation into outlawing the Adhan nationwide. 

The traditional Muslim summons to prayer, broadcast five times daily from mosques, has no place in Denmark, he said. 

Mr Bodskov told news agency Ritzau: “The call to prayer should not be heard over Danish rooftops. It has no place in Denmark, and you shouldn’t be in any doubt whether you’ve ended up in a suburb of Islamabad when you walk around Denmark.” 

The move marks the third attempt by a Danish minister to impose a legal ban, following failed efforts in 2020 and 2025. 

Mr Bodskov cited creeping “Islamisation” as a growing concern, arguing the practice occupies too much public space in a secular society. 

Parts of Denmark already curb the broadcasts. 

Strict noise rules in Copenhagen effectively silence loudspeakers on minarets, while the Grand Mosque of Copenhagen voluntarily refrains from outdoor calls under a local agreement. 

Officials will now examine whether a full nationwide prohibition can be introduced without breaching constitutional protections for religious freedom.

Denmark’s constitution safeguards public worship, but existing laws already restrict anti-democratic preaching and support for banned groups.