“Self-Appointed Morality Guard” Disrupts Reykjavík Queer Choir

The Reykjavík Queer Choir was disrupted by a man who objected to the choir’s presence in a church and the Pride Flag being flown over it. The man in question was removed from the scene by capital area police.

In a Facebook post from the choir, choir director Gunnlaugur Bragi Björnsson recounted the events of an otherwise successful spring concert at the Seltjarnarneskirkja church last Saturday. Amongst these was the arrival of a man who had some “uncomfortable questions” for choir members during opening rehearsals.

“The man said it was inappropriate to have the rainbow flag flying over an Icelandic church, as the Bible is very clear in its position towards gay people,” Gunnlaugur Bragi writes. “As is usually the case when pouring forth from the cup of prejudice, he told us that he had ‘nothing against people like you’ but the flag had to come down, and people like us had no business being in the building.”

After a short consultation, the parish priest declared that the flag would remain flying, which the “self-appointed morality guard” did not take well. He reportedly went outside and attempted to take the flag down himself, as was witnessed by the choir and attendees alike. The police were called to the scene, who removed the man from the church, and wished the choir a good concert.

“This is an event that reminds us our struggle is not over,” Gunnlaugur Bragi concludes. “Queer people are still sneered at and discriminated against in Icelandic society, though our legal position is quite good. It’s people like this who show us why groups such as the Queer Choir are necessary. Together, we will work for a better world and create, step by step, equality for us all.”