Ongoing challenges in Faroese court system regarding Section 266b cases

There are ongoing challenges in addressing cases related to Section 266b in the Faroese court system. Three cases have been postponed this summer, and they have not yet reappeared on the docket.

In June, a man faced legal action for derogatory remarks about homosexuality. He admitted guilt when charged and subsequently acknowledged that he had written the content for which he was being prosecuted. However, he did not concede that his writing constituted a criminal offense. As a result, the case was adjourned.

In September, two additional cases were postponed. One raised questions about the definition of gender identity, leading a linguist to prepare a report for the court. The other was delayed due to a hearing in the Faroese court last week, which did not conclude until Tuesday of this week, the day when the case concerning Section 266b was scheduled to be considered. The court lacked the time to address this matter that day.

The case pertains to ethnic origin. Section 266b of the penal code states that anyone who publicly or broadly presents statements or messages that threaten, mock, or demean a person or group based on race, skin color, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, sexual identity, or disability will be punished with a fine or imprisonment for up to two years.