The Danish government, led by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, has decided against banning prayer rooms in public educational institutions, despite initial indications suggesting otherwise. This decision highlights a significant disagreement within the coalition government and represents a victory for the Moderaterne party, who opposed the ban.

The debate surrounding prayer rooms in educational institutions has been ongoing, revealing a split within the ruling coalition. While Venstre (Liberals) advocated for a ban, Moderaterne (The Moderates) opposed it, and Socialdemokratiet (Social Democrats) initially appeared undecided. The Prime Minister’s initial statements led many to believe that the government would move to eliminate the rooms.

The government’s approach will now focus on dialogue with university and college administrations, led by Minister of Education Christina Egelund from Moderaterne. Egelund has stated that the rooms themselves are not the problem, but rather the potential for social control and religious preaching within them. She intends to emphasize the importance of preventing such activities.

Critics argue that this approach is insufficient, as Universities Denmark already has a statement prohibiting social control and religious preaching in these spaces. The decision has been interpreted as a sign of Moderaterne’s influence within the government, with some suggesting that Lars Løkke Rasmussen has successfully blocked a measure supported by a majority in Parliament. This outcome has raised questions about the Social Democrats’ true position on the issue and whether they genuinely supported a ban.

Some argue that even if a ban leads to Muslims praying in public areas, it would raise awareness about the potential societal impact of theocratic movements. Concerns have been raised about the government’s perceived leniency towards Islam and the Prime Minister’s perceived weakness in action.