Iceland's Children Minister Resigns Over Past Relationship Controversy

In a shocking twist to Icelandic politics, Ásthildur Lóa Thórsdóttir resigned from her position as minister for children after disclosing her historic relationship with a teenage boy.

Iceland's minister for children, Ásthildur Lóa Thórsdóttir, has resigned following the revelation of a past relationship she had with a teenager more than 30 years ago. During an interview, Thórsdóttir disclosed that she began dating the boy when he was just 15 years old while she was a 22-year-old counsellor at a religious group he attended. The couple had a child together when he was 16 and she was 23.

Reflecting on the situation 36 years later, the 58-year-old Thórsdóttir expressed remorse, stating, "A lot of things change in that time and I would definitely have dealt with these issues differently today." Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir addressed the matter, deeming it serious, yet mentioned she had limited knowledge of the details prior to Thórsdóttir's admission.

The relationship came to light after Icelandic news agency RUV reported on it, revealing that Thórsdóttir and the father of her child, identified as Eirík Ásmundsson, shared a secretive past. He attended the religious group due to personal challenges and was present during their child's birth; however, their relationship soured over time, especially after Thórsdóttir married her current husband.

The story escalated when a relative of Ásmundsson reached out to the Prime Minister last week about the minister's past. After confirming the information, the Prime Minister summoned Thórsdóttir, leading to her resignation. In the aftermath, Thórsdóttir expressed disappointment that her past was publicized and acknowledged the challenges of accurately conveying complex stories in today's media landscape.

While consent laws in Iceland permit sexual relationships at age 15, the legality becomes complicated under circumstances involving mentorship or financial dependency, carrying severe legal implications. Despite resigning from her ministerial post, Thórsdóttir plans to remain in parliament.