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Sweden’s parliament gave final approval on Wednesday to an amendment to the Freedom of the Press Act that spells out the prohibition on Holocaust denial in the country’s constitutional rules on freedom of the press and expression.
The change will take effect on January 1, 2027.
The Riksdag first backed the measure on May 22, 2024. Altering Sweden’s fundamental laws requires two votes in favor, with a parliamentary election between them.
The Act will clarify that its provision on agitation against a population group includes incitement to violence. The amendment also extends protection to individuals targeted because they belong to a protected group, with injured party status and the right to seek damages.
Yad Vashem, Israel’s national Holocaust memorial, called the Riksdag’s vote an “important step.” In a statement provided to JNS, Yad Vashem said, “There must be no tolerance for attempts to erase, minimize or distort the crimes of the Holocaust.”
Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) Executive Director of European Affairs Shannon Seban said, “Sweden is taking a clear stand against antisemitism and Holocaust denial. At a time when antisemitism is resurging across Europe, we need more than words — we need political courage and concrete action.”
Seban highlighted CAM’s Nordic and Baltic Summit Against Antisemitism and Extremism, taking place next month in Helsinki, Finland, as an upcoming opportunity for European leaders to bolster cooperation against Jew-hatred.
