Iceland gay Prime Minister Marries partner

[matriarch]

Iceland’s PM marries under new matrimony law
by Alda
on June 27, 2010

... our Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir and her spouse Jónína Leósdóttir got married today.

According to RÚV, they are among the first gay couples to legally marry under the new matrimony laws that took effect today. No formal ceremony is said to have taken place, though.

I had dinner with a group of European journalists last Friday [sponsored by the European Union - amx, are you listening?] and the people at our table were marvelling at the fact that the sexual orientation of our prime minister is a non-issue here in Iceland. They said that this would never be the case in their respective countries.

Personally I can’t envision how a person’s sexual preference could possibly be held against them in politics. I mean, on what grounds would you criticize someone’s political decisions because they’re gay?

But they’re right — Jóhanna’s sexual orientation has never been an issue here in Iceland. It’s just doesn’t figure in the general discourse. Part of it, I suppose, is that she herself has never flaunted it — she’s openly gay and everyone knows it, but she’s never used it to challenge convention or held it up as a particular cause. She just goes about her business like everyone else.

And so, big congratulations to Jóhanna and Jónína on their wedding day!

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Congratulations to you both.
So very very refreshing. Well done Iceland.

 

[Songcatcher]

Iceland?

They are inbred Danish.

Historically.

 

[Handley_Page]

Mrs Gosling:-

" Personally I can’t envision how a person’s sexual preference could possibly be held against them in politics. I mean, on what grounds would you criticize someone’s political decisions because they’re gay? "


I could never be sure that the political decision wasn't influenced by their sexual orientation, unless they 'came out' and had a long-term partner in a stable relationship.

Until it is a "given" and ignored, there will always be some sort of risk. In the past in the UK, it has been "a security risk", although I guess not so much these days.

As to a homosexual MP being unfettered, there's a bit of a snag IMO. Several MPs have been of the wilder type ('bit of rough', rent boys etc.) which still does not mix well with the general public.

 

[rgraham666]

Congrats to them. What a big step forward.

 

[Scotsman69]

Check your facts before you show your ignorance

Iceland?

They are inbred Danish.

Historically.

Iceland historically was fought over by Vikings from what are now several modern states: Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Gaels also settled there. Iceland is closer to Norway and Scotland than to any other European countries. It's likely that Norwegian genes are predominant, but like most other nations on earth, mine included, Icelanders are a genetic mixture.

There are lots of Icelanders in Scotland, and many come to Glasgow to do their xmas shopping. There has been a daily flight for over 50 years, and it's a short hop. So I have known a few over the years.

I congratulate their PM and her spouse, and strive and look forward to the day when that can happen in Scotland.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Mrs Gosling:-

" Personally I can’t envision how a person’s sexual preference could possibly be held against them in politics. I mean, on what grounds would you criticize someone’s political decisions because they’re gay? "


I could never be sure that the political decision wasn't influenced by their sexual orientation, unless they 'came out' and had a long-term partner in a stable relationship.

Until it is a "given" and ignored, there will always be some sort of risk. In the past in the UK, it has been "a security risk", although I guess not so much these days.

As to a homosexual MP being unfettered, there's a bit of a snag IMO. Several MPs have been of the wilder type ('bit of rough', rent boys etc.) which still does not mix well with the general public.

I expect that you'll be rethinking this post some time soon.

 

[3113]

I could never be sure that the political decision wasn't influenced by their sexual orientation, unless they 'came out' and had a long-term partner in a stable relationship.

Until it is a "given" and ignored, there will always be some sort of risk. In the past in the UK, it has been "a security risk", although I guess not so much these days.

As to a homosexual MP being unfettered, there's a bit of a snag IMO. Several MPs have been of the wilder type ('bit of rough', rent boys etc.) which still does not mix well with the general public.

I agree with Stella that you're going to re-think this. Hey, how 'bout doing so now?

Just ask yourself this one question--did you say anything that's not true of heterosexual men/women? Doesn't the heterosexual orientation of a politician often influence their political decisions? Or have you ignored all the scandals--mistresses, wives, husbands being given public money, positions of power, allowed to break the law, etc. all because they're fucking the heterosexual guy/gal in charge? And are you really trying to say that the "unfettered" homosexual with the rent boy is somehow less of a snag then the heterosexual fellow running the prostitution ring? The Italian politico naked at the pool party with underage girls?

When has heterosexuality NOT influenced politics however much for granted it was taken? Shall we flip through the history books and start naming off the influence that heterosexual orientation (the influence of heterosexual desires) has had on politics? Henry VIII anyone? Cleopatra? Edward VIII? Catherine the Great? Heterosexual orientation has led to more uprisings, deaths, and radical changes than homosexual orientation when it comes to politics. Given it's track record, I'd be far more leery of heterosexuals in politics than homosexuals.

 

[matriarch]

I agree with Stella that you're going to re-think this. Hey, how 'bout doing so now?

Just ask yourself this one question--did you say anything that's not true of heterosexual men/women? Doesn't the heterosexual orientation of a politician often influence their political decisions? Or have you ignored all the scandals--mistresses, wives, husbands being given public money, positions of power, allowed to break the law, etc. all because they're fucking the heterosexual guy/gal in charge? And are you really trying to say that the "unfettered" homosexual with the rent boy is somehow less of a snag then the heterosexual fellow running the prostitution ring? The Italian politico naked at the pool party with underage girls?

When has heterosexuality NOT influenced politics however much for granted it was taken? Shall we flip through the history books and start naming off the influence that heterosexual orientation (the influence of heterosexual desires) has had on politics? Henry VIII anyone? Cleopatra? Edward VIII? Catherine the Great? Heterosexual orientation has led to more uprisings, deaths, and radical changes than homosexual orientation when it comes to politics. Given it's track record, I'd be far more leery of heterosexuals in politics than homosexuals.

I love you.

 

[Liar]

I expect that you'll be rethinking this post some time soon.

There is one point there, although I have no idea if that's the one he was trying to make.

As long as sexual orientation is an emotional issue, (instead of a "who cares?") as long as bigotry has clout and as long as the personal life and "character" of a politician is considered relevant in place of competence, ideas and policies, it can sadly be used as a source of pressure on a gay politician. Openly gay or not.

Or a muslim politician. Or still to a degree, a black or female politician.

 

[Stella_Omega]

There is one point there, although I have no idea if that's the one he was trying to make.

As long as sexual orientation is an emotional issue, (instead of a "who cares?") as long as bigotry has clout and as long as the personal life and "character" of a politician is considered relevant in place of competence, ideas and policies, it can sadly be used as a source of pressure on a gay politician. Openly gay or not.

Or a muslim politician. Or still to a degree, a black or female politician.

I figured that was his point-- he garbled it a bit, but I know well how that goes.

 

[bronzeage]

Mrs Gosling:-

" Personally I can’t envision how a person’s sexual preference could possibly be held against them in politics. I mean, on what grounds would you criticize someone’s political decisions because they’re gay? "


I could never be sure that the political decision wasn't influenced by their sexual orientation, unless they 'came out' and had a long-term partner in a stable relationship.

Until it is a "given" and ignored, there will always be some sort of risk. In the past in the UK, it has been "a security risk", although I guess not so much these days.

As to a homosexual MP being unfettered, there's a bit of a snag IMO. Several MPs have been of the wilder type ('bit of rough', rent boys etc.) which still does not mix well with the general public.

What if their political decision was influenced and it happened to be one on which you agreed?

Would this in some way make you politically gay?

Over on this side, we have a Senator who pursues policemen in public men's rooms and another who engages female prostitutes. No one seems concerned if their decisions are influenced by their sexual orientation because they are Republicans.

 

[Songcatcher]

Iceland historically was fought over by Vikings from what are now several modern states: Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Gaels also settled there. Iceland is closer to Norway and Scotland than to any other European countries. It's likely that Norwegian genes are predominant, but like most other nations on earth, mine included, Icelanders are a genetic mixture.

There are lots of Icelanders in Scotland, and many come to Glasgow to do their xmas shopping. There has been a daily flight for over 50 years, and it's a short hop. So I have known a few over the years.

I congratulate their PM and her spouse, and strive and look forward to the day when that can happen in Scotland.

OK. Iceland is inbred Norwagians.

What I meant was Greenland is inbred Danish.

 

[oggbashan]

Congratulations to both of them and to Iceland.

Og

 

[Songcatcher]

Elena Kagan wants to take away your guns and free speach.

Hahaha.

 

[Scotsman69]

Glutton for punishment

OK. Iceland is inbred Norwagians.

What I meant was Greenland is inbred Danish.

Greenland is predominantly Inuit. It's effectively a Danish colony, sure, but most archaelogical evidence suggests it was first colonised by people from what is now Norway. As was some of coastal mainland North America.

I told you, Iceland is a genetic mixture, probably predominatly Norwegian originally. But a MIXTURE, like most places. Including Gaels from Scotland/Ireland.

If you confuse Iceland and Greenland, and can't spell Norway, I suspect drink may have been consumed before you posted.

At least take the trouble to glance at Wiki before you show your ignorance.

None of which detracts from Iceland's achievement of being the first nation with a married lesbian PM.

Well done Iceland!

 

[Songcatcher]

Greenland is predominantly Inuit. It's effectively a Danish colony, sure, but most archaelogical evidence suggests it was first colonised by people from what is now Norway. As was some of coastal mainland North America.

I told you, Iceland is a genetic mixture, probably predominatly Norwegian originally. But a MIXTURE, like most places. Including Gaels from Scotland/Ireland.

If you confuse Iceland and Greenland, and can't spell Norway, I suspect drink may have been consumed before you posted.

At least take the trouble to glance at Wiki before you show your ignorance.

None of which detracts from Iceland's achievement of being the first nation with a married lesbian PM.

Well done Iceland!

Well, they used to feed on midget mammoths.

Archaeologicall speaking.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Greenland is predominantly Inuit. It's effectively a Danish colony, sure, but most archaelogical evidence suggests it was first colonised by people from what is now Norway. As was some of coastal mainland North America.

I told you, Iceland is a genetic mixture, probably predominatly Norwegian originally. But a MIXTURE, like most places. Including Gaels from Scotland/Ireland.

If you confuse Iceland and Greenland, and can't spell Norway, I suspect drink may have been consumed before you posted.

At least take the trouble to glance at Wiki before you show your ignorance.

None of which detracts from Iceland's achievement of being the first nation with a married lesbian PM.

Well done Iceland!

You're wasting your breath on a GB troll, Scotsman.

 

[Scotsman69]

Um yes, probably...

You're wasting your breath on a GB troll, Scotsman.

No doubt you're right Stella. I just hate to see historical and geographical reality distorted. I dipped my toe in GB once or twice and rapidly reailsed it was no place for reasoned discussion.

And got my stories bombed in consequence.

I try and make my stories realistic by ensuring the contexts, as well as the sex, are accurate.

Whilst I've won some appreciation for my stories, I long ago understood that I'm way outside the Lit mainstream, both being Scots, and trying to write serious literature. Well, sometimes!

But numpties like this troll still annoy me no end. You'd think that at my age I'd know better. Alas, I'm a slow learner...

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

I agree with Stella that you're going to re-think this. Hey, how 'bout doing so now?

Just ask yourself this one question--did you say anything that's not true of heterosexual men/women? Doesn't the heterosexual orientation of a politician often influence their political decisions? Or have you ignored all the scandals--mistresses, wives, husbands being given public money, positions of power, allowed to break the law, etc. all because they're fucking the heterosexual guy/gal in charge? And are you really trying to say that the "unfettered" homosexual with the rent boy is somehow less of a snag then the heterosexual fellow running the prostitution ring? The Italian politico naked at the pool party with underage girls?

When has heterosexuality NOT influenced politics however much for granted it was taken? Shall we flip through the history books and start naming off the influence that heterosexual orientation (the influence of heterosexual desires) has had on politics? Henry VIII anyone? Cleopatra? Edward VIII? Catherine the Great? Heterosexual orientation has led to more uprisings, deaths, and radical changes than homosexual orientation when it comes to politics. Given it's track record, I'd be far more leery of heterosexuals in politics than homosexuals.

Well, there was Alexander the Great, but he was more bi than anything else....the only possible harm that might have arisen from his liaison with Hephaestion was a delay in producing an heir. Even then, let's be honest....so far from his native Macedonia and its royal court at Pella, with a non-Macedonian mother, any son would have been at risk at any age from pretenders in the high command using racism as their pretext to usurp the throne. Hell, Alexander himself had a hard time, and he was 20 and the firstborn son of King Philip.

In any case, heterosexual orientation was a trade-off in the old days of monarchy. You get offspring, but you might get ensnared by a foreign consort in ancient, dynastic times (Cleopatra wasn't the first such character to seek to manipulate Mark Antony when he was proconsul in the East).

Nowadays, even those monarchies which exist are largely ceremonial. Sexual orientation should be, by all rights, less than germane to the selection of leaders. Only homophobia among some of the electorate makes it otherwise.

P.S. Clever reference to Berlusconi, 3113.