The Ásatrú Society of Iceland has reportedly faced criticism for conducting gay marriages, but will not be deterred.
Vísir reports that the building of a temple for the pagan society is well underway, and should be completed by late next year. Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, the chieftain of the organisation, told reporters that they have been criticised by their fellow pagans, amongst others, for officiating gay marriages. Some have suggested visiting the temple and “correcting” these perceived wrong ideas.
“We have unfortunately received some hateful communications from abroad, on account of how we handle gay issues, and have fought to be able to marry them,” Hilmar told reporters. “I think we echo Icelandic society. The people have stood with us through thick and thin.”
Hilmar says the Ásatrú Society of Iceland will continue to maintain their policy of tolerance, regardless of the misconceptions others may have.
“We’re not running this with some kind of Viking or battle romanticism,” he said. “We’re not contemplating some old text from the year 70, as some foreign Ásatrú believers seem to believe is a part of our practice.”
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