Minister of Education and Childhood Resigns After Revelation of Past Relationship with Minor

Ásthildur Loa Thorsdottir, Iceland's Minister of Education and Childhood, has resigned this week following revelations that she had a child three decades ago with a teenager who was then 16 years old. Although she has not yet clarified whether she will step down as a member of parliament, she is leaving her position in the coalition government.

The events occurred over thirty years ago when the former minister, now 58, had a relationship with a minor, initially 15 years old, whom she met while working in a religious group, according to public broadcaster RUV. Iceland sets the minimum age of sexual consent at 15, previously 14, but laws specifically prohibit relationships with minors under 18 in cases such as teachers and students or individuals with economic or professional ties.

As recounted by the father of Thorsdottir's child and confirmed by official documents reviewed by RUV, initially, she facilitated father-son meetings until she met her husband. Their relationship later reduced to child support payments for 18 years and entered the political arena after someone recently contacted the government.

Thorsdottir has claimed it was a youthful relationship and stated to Icelandic media that she is resigning to avoid hindering the work of the government and the Ministry of Education in particular.