Health Minister “Very Supportive” Of Decriminalising Drugs

Minister of Health Kristján Þór Júlíusson surprised many attendees at a meeting of young conservatives by expressing his support for re-examining Iceland’s drug laws.

Vísir reports that the minister was one of the guest speakers at an event hosted by Heimdallur, a society of young conservatives, which bore the title, “Is the punitive policy against drugs working?”

Kristján apparently believes it is not, as he told attendees, “I am very supportive of the opinion that we ought to try to decriminalise [drug] use in this matter.”

Taking questions from the audience, the minister was asked if he believed that even the most basic drug laws need review, to which he replied, “That’s what I’m offering. I am convinced that we need to try other remedies.”

Amongst other attendees was former Supreme Court judge Jón Steinar Gunnlaugsson who, as Grapevine reported, is in favour of decriminalisation at the least, whilst also entertaining the possibility of legalisation.

Jón expressed surprise at the minister’s remarks, saying, “A minister of the Independence Party is going farther in his wisdom with this position. The current policy is the policy of ignorance, prejudice and helplessness. What does the Independence Party stand for?”