Minister of Children’s Affairs resigns amid scandal

Ásthildur Lóa Þórsdóttir, Minister of Children’s Affairs in Kristrún Frostadóttir’s government, has resigned following revelations that she had a child with a 15-year-old boy when she was 22 years old, over 30 years ago.

The story was first reported by RÚV, Iceland’s National Broadcasting Corporation.

Relationship began in religious youth group

Þórsdóttir met Eiríkur Ásmundsson, the boy’s father, while leading youth activities in the Trú og Líf religious group in Kópavogur. He had sought refuge there due to a difficult home environment.

According to Ásmundsson, Þórsdóttir later denied him contact with his son, while at the same time demanding child support payments for 18 years.

Legal concerns surround the relationship

The relationship began when Ásmundsson was 15 years old, and Þórsdóttir became pregnant soon after. By the time she gave birth, she was 23 and he was 16.

Under Icelandic law, individuals under 18 are considered children. While the age of consent is 15, exceptions exist for relationships involving mentors, teachers, employers, or those in positions of financial or emotional dependence—violations of which can carry a sentence of up to three years in prison.

Denial of parental rights

Documents obtained by RÚV reportedly confirm that Ásmundsson sought help from the Ministry of Justice and the Church’s Family Services in an attempt to gain access to his child. Despite this, Þórsdóttir denied him visitation rights.

For years, Ásmundsson was permitted only two hours per month with his son—amounting to just 24 hours per year—while he continued to pay child support for 18 years.

Confidentiality breach at the Prime Minister’s office?

According to RÚV, a relative of the child’s father reported the case to the Prime Minister’s Office a week ago, under the assumption of confidentiality. However, Þórsdóttir was informed about the report and its sender.

She allegedly contacted the person directly and later showed up at his home.

Political fallout

In light of these revelations, Þórsdóttir has stepped down from her ministerial position. The government has yet to comment on whether further legal or political consequences will follow.