Ásthildur Lóa Thórsdóttir, aged 58, stepped down after admitting to a relationship with a 15-year-old boy when she was 22. The situation has thrown Iceland's political landscape into disarray, prompting the Prime Minister to address the "serious matter" publicly. As details emerge about the affair and its implications, Thórsdóttir's future in parliament remains uncertain.
Icelandic Minister Resigns After Revelations About Past Relationship with Teenager
Icelandic Minister Resigns After Revelations About Past Relationship with Teenager
Iceland’s Minister for Children, Ásthildur Lóa Thórsdóttir, resigns following the admission of having a child with a teenager more than 30 years ago, raising questions about ethical conduct in political roles.
Icelandic Minister for Children, Ásthildur Lóa Thórsdóttir, has resigned from her position following a media revelation regarding her past relationship with a teenager over three decades ago. The resignation came after an interview where Thórsdóttir acknowledged starting a relationship with the boy when he was 15, stating that she was a 22-year-old counselor at a religious organization he attended. This relationship led to her giving birth to their child when he turned 16 and she was 23 years old.
Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir described the news as a "serious matter" and confirmed having little prior knowledge about the extent of Thórsdóttir's past. Upon learning further details, she summoned the minister to her office, where Thórsdóttir resigned.
This relationship was kept out of the public eye, but recent public interest was sparked when a relative of the father, Eirík Ásmundsson, attempted to contact the Prime Minister regarding the situation, prompting an inquiry and subsequent resignation. Thórsdóttir expressed her disappointment over this revelation, particularly amid the current climate of news coverage.
Icelandic law stipulates the age of consent is 15; however, it is illegal for teachers or mentors to engage in sexual activities with individuals under 18 who are financially dependent or under their authority. Due to the sensitive nature of the matter, the maximum possible penalty for such a violation is three years imprisonment.
Despite her resignation from the ministerial role, Thórsdóttir has indicated that she does not intend to relinquish her position in parliament, providing an uncertain future as public scrutiny continues to mount around this controversial issue.
Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir described the news as a "serious matter" and confirmed having little prior knowledge about the extent of Thórsdóttir's past. Upon learning further details, she summoned the minister to her office, where Thórsdóttir resigned.
This relationship was kept out of the public eye, but recent public interest was sparked when a relative of the father, Eirík Ásmundsson, attempted to contact the Prime Minister regarding the situation, prompting an inquiry and subsequent resignation. Thórsdóttir expressed her disappointment over this revelation, particularly amid the current climate of news coverage.
Icelandic law stipulates the age of consent is 15; however, it is illegal for teachers or mentors to engage in sexual activities with individuals under 18 who are financially dependent or under their authority. Due to the sensitive nature of the matter, the maximum possible penalty for such a violation is three years imprisonment.
Despite her resignation from the ministerial role, Thórsdóttir has indicated that she does not intend to relinquish her position in parliament, providing an uncertain future as public scrutiny continues to mount around this controversial issue.
