Denmark to rule on 'parallel societies' after 'non-western' people evicted

Denmark’s supreme court is considering whether classifying residents as having “non-western” backgrounds falls within protections against racial discrimination. The case was brought by former residents of Nøjsomhed-Sydvej, a housing estate in Helsingør, who say their landlord evicted them to reduce the share of “non-western” residents and avoid the area being designated a “parallel society.” The government argues the policy is based on factors other than ethnicity. The residents have lost in lower courts, but a ruling expected later this month could determine whether they may return to their homes.

The case concerns a law requiring housing associations to reduce non-profit housing by 40% in designated areas by 2030, through sales, demolition or ending tenancies. Areas with high unemployment or crime are subject to the measures only if at least half their residents have a “non-western” background. The European Court of Justice has said the law may be unlawful, while international and human rights bodies have criticized its use of the category. A finding that “non-western” background is linked to ethnic origin could force Denmark to reconsider the classification and affect a separate challenge by residents of Copenhagen’s Mjølnerparken estate. More than 1,000 people were displaced there, and the homes have since been sold, making their return harder even if they prevail.