Iceland’s Minister for Children and Education, Ásthildur Lóa Thórsdóttir, has resigned following revelations about her past relationship with a 15-year-old boy when she was 22, which resulted in a child.
According to reports by RÚV, Thórsdóttir met the boy while working as a counselor for a religious group and gave birth at 23. Icelandic law prohibits adults in positions of authority from engaging in relationships with minors under 18.
Now an adult, the child’s father alleges that he was initially involved in his son’s life but was later denied access before the child turned one. Despite this, he was required to pay child support for 18 years. He also claims that Thórsdóttir actively blocked his attempts to gain visitation rights.
Following public outrage over the report, Thórsdóttir announced her resignation, effective Sunday, though she will retain her seat in parliament. Iceland’s Prime Minister, Kristrún Frostadóttir, confirmed her resignation, while the People’s Party denied allegations that she prevented the father’s access to his child.
