Reykjavík mayor Jón Gnarr clarified his position on pornography today after a remark he made during an interview with the AFP sparked harsh criticism from other Icelandic politicians.
As reported, he had answered a question about his online habits by saying, with a laugh, that when on the internet he’s checking out “mostly porn”. This remark prompted a strong reaction from Leftist-Green city councilperson, who said in part, “Jokes like this don’t do anything but normalize porn. Humor is a powerful weapon, as Jón knows well. This is very serious, and in direct opposition to the city’s platform on human rights.” Björk Vilhelmsdóttir, chairman of the city social welfare committee, took the same opinion, adding, “Porn is violence. Don’t understand why the mayor was saying this, seeing how he’s a sincere spokesman against violence.”
Today, the mayor clarified his position, stating in part, “I was kidding. I find [porn] tragic. It’s a loveless world and unattractive. This is sex without love.”
“Icelandic politics is at such a low plane that an inappropriate man can become mayor,” he continued. “Politics is in many ways an act, and I haven’t learned all the rules yet. But I’m getting it.”
His response was welcomed by the Feminist Society of Iceland, for taking a clear position against pornography.