Are referendum results binding?

Denmark, Constitution 1953, accessed 24 September 2019

Section 42

(1) Whereas Bill has been passed by the Folketing, one-third of the members of the Folketing may, within three weekdays from the final passing of the Bill, request of the President that the Bill be submitted to a referendum. Such request shall be made in writing and signed by the members making the request. […]

(5) At the referendum votes shall be cast for or against the Bill. For the Bill to be rejected, a majority of the electors who vote and not less than thirty per cent of all persons who are entitled to vote shall have voted against the Bill. [...]

The Danish Parliament, Elections and Referendums, accessed 24 September 2019

“Consultative referendums: Members of the Danish Parliament and regional and municipal councils may also decide to hold a consultative referendum. This means that citizens are consulted prior to politicians making their final decision. To date, the Danish Parliament has only held one consultative referendum, namely in 1986 where the Danes were consulted on the so-called EU package.”

Since consultative referenda are not mentioned in the Constitution, the Danish Parliament can at always decide to hold them. As it is evident from the term “consultative”, the Danish Parliament is not bound to abide by to the outcome of such a referendum. If the decision is to be binding, the provisions of the Constitution must be observed. A consultative referendum has only been held once, i.e. in 1986 when a vote was held on the EC package.