Ásthildur Lóa Thórsdóttir, the Icelandic Minister for Children, resigned on Thursday after disclosing a former relationship that occurred over 30 years ago with a then-teenager. In an interview with local media, the 58-year-old revealed that she started the relationship with Eirík Ásmundsson when he was just 15 years old, while she was a 22-year-old counselor at a religious group he attended, and later gave birth to their child when he turned 16.
"It's been 36 years; a lot has changed since then," Thórsdóttir commented. "I would handle these issues differently today." Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir called the situation "serious" but stressed her limited knowledge of the details, stating that it is a personal matter deserving of respect.
The news broke following reporting by Icelandic news agency RUV, which outlined that the relationship had been kept secret. Ásmundsson had been present at their son’s birth and was involved during the child’s first year of life. However, as Thórsdóttir met her current husband, the dynamics changed, and Ásmundsson sought legal access to his child but was denied.
Sources indicated that a relative of Ásmundsson attempted to alert the Prime Minister last week, leading to immediate inquiries and ultimately, Thórsdóttir's resignation. While the legal age of consent in Iceland is noted as 15, it remains illegal for teachers or mentors to engage in sexual relations with those under 18 if they are financially dependent or work for them, with violators facing up to three years in prison.
Despite stepping down as Children's Minister, Thórsdóttir announced she has no intention of leaving her position in parliament, navigating the unfolding complexity of her situation amidst public scrutiny.
