A preference for BDSM is still classified as a mental illness in Iceland, despite a consensus from the country’s top doctors that it should not be.
RÚV reports that Iceland is the only Nordic country that still defines a preference or enjoyment of BDSM play as a mental illness. Other Nordic countries removed the classification years ago, with Finland most recently doing so in 2012.
The group BDSM in Iceland sent a letter to the Directorate of Health objecting to the classification, which they consider obsolete and out of touch with medical consensus. Reporters who contacted the Directorate found that they in fact agree.
Director of Health Birgir Jakobsson told reporters he appreciated the group bringing attention to the matter, and wants to have a meeting with the group’s leadership to work out how best to address the issue. Birgir also said he sees nothing standing in the way of Iceland following the example set by other Nordic countries.
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