Pride debate used as political tool, Labour politicians claim

Labour MP Benjamin Jakobsen and Labour Youth leader Gaute Skjervø have accused the Progress Party (FrP) and the Christian Democrats (KrF) of using annual pride discussions to divert attention from LGBTQ+ living conditions, Dagbladet reports.

Their comments follow a recent opinion piece by FrP Youth leader Lars Løvold in the same newspaper, in which he argued trans people should use men’s restrooms.

Jakobsen called the recurring debates over pride flags and restroom access a distraction from substantive issues. “Pride is a time to celebrate what we’ve achieved in Norway and to mark the struggles that remain. It’s very sad that the debate every year is mostly about who should fly the flag, when, and where,” he said.

Skjervø echoed the criticism, stating that June should not bring annual attacks from KrF and FrP targeting LGBTQ+ people, framing pride flags as problematic, or portraying trans people as adversaries.

Both pointed to statistics showing two-thirds of LGBTQ+ individuals experience physical or psychological violence, and 47% face hate crimes. Jakobsen called the political focus on flags and restrooms a deliberate attempt to derail meaningful discussion.

“Since the marriage law was passed nearly 20 years ago, there’s been political consensus on issues like the right of same-sex couples to marry. I wish the Storting would do the same for pride and the pride flag—declare it a national celebration we’re proud of,” Skjervø said, urging right-wing parties to abandon what he termed a “culture war” against trans people.

Jakobsen and Skjervø argued the debate should instead address how to improve safety and living conditions for LGBTQ+ people in Norway.

They also noted a shift in FrP and KrF in recent years. Jakobsen said FrP under current leader Sylvi Listhaug has moved closer to KrF’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, a development he called concerning. He contrasted this with the leadership of former FrP leader Siv Jensen, who was named “Homofriend of the Year” in 2018.

Skjervø similarly cited former KrF leader Knut Arild Hareide as a bridge-builder, contrasting him with current leader Dag Inge Ulstein, whom he accused of prioritising provocative statements over constructive dialogue.

“It’s painful to see minorities in Norway being made political sacrifices in a culture war,” Skjervø said.