Bør det være strafbart at have sex med dyr? den aktuelle danske diskussion og dens historiske baggrund

This paper outlines the background for the current debate concerning whether Denmark should have a general and complete ban against humans’ sexual relations with animals. First an overview is given of the historical development in Danish legislation concerning humans’ sexual relations with animals. Then the main findings regarding knowledge about humans’ sexual relations with animals are presented. Finally the four main arguments which seem to underlie the wish for a ban today are discussed: 1) that sex with animals will always involve animal cruelty, 2) that sex with animals is a kind of rape, 3) that sex with animals is comparable to paedophilia, and 4) that a ban makes it easier to punish people, who have sex with animals. It is argued that none of the four arguments are robust.