Yes, we wish society would recognize the humanity of all parties, a perspective rarely accorded to males. This was rape, defined legally. Yet, we see normal passion, sexuality, friendship, and sadness experienced by both parties - which would never be recognized if the older one were male.
It is not rape, legally. All illegal sex is not rape. I don't know how rape is defined in the jurisdiction of Iceland, but the boy was above the age of consent there so, if he consented, how can you call that rape?
Sorry, without clear and convincing PHYSICAL evidence of coercion documented within 72 hours, "innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt" SHOULD be the standard for both sides.
I'm unsure whether Thórsdóttir should be charged with a crime or not as the legal situation is not clear (we only have her version of events including the timeline). However, we do know that in spite of her assertions that the young man was not really interested in being a father, she was happy for him to pay child support for 18 years. So as well as being older than him and in a position of trust/power, she soon had a husband and both of them presumably were not in low paid jobs. Her 'truth' ramblings drew no sympathy from me, sorry. My unkind description of her involves the word 'cow'.
You’ve presented a balanced and appropriately nuanced analysis, Janice. We need to find a way to ensure women are held equally accountable as are men for similar transgressions; otherwise, logic suggests that society will begin to entertain that women should not be permitted to hold positions of responsibility, as they can’t be held responsible for their actions.
How ironic that feminism becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy. Such is the dynamic of gender narcissism.
"She also opposed numerous requests by her child’s father to form and maintain a relationship with his son."
This is classic "Maternal Gatekeeping" and Parental Alienation in practice.
This story indicates the hypocrisy of Feminism, where there is no equality under the law or, in particular, how the rule of law is applied differently depending on gender.
In comparison, Luis Rubiales lost his job, suffered extreme public humiliation and was charged and convicted of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso.
Her story is perfectly understandable and has the "ring of truth" about it. The fact that we've never heard from the bloke speaks volumes in itself. If he had any grievance he would have aired it by now. The whole affair only came to light because some woman with an agenda tried to extort the PM. It's a complete non-story which the media has beat up no end and Janice has foolishly joined the pile on.
We all know, for an absolute fact, the boy would be in jail now had the positions been reversed. That being an absolute fact, why do we allow female predators to get away with their crimes?
The younger the age of females first encounter to sex, the more likely she will never be able to pair bond with any man and cause untold damage to them all. Let’s lower it to age 3 shall we? 😞
Are you sure about that? Because if the roles would’ve been reversed, it doesn’t matter what the circumstances were. The man would be in jail and everybody here knows it!
Either something is a crime or it isn't. I think the thing that's hanging everyone up here is that he was 15 or 16 years old and we're used to a higher age of consent. In Iceland, though, it's 15 so he was able to legally consent. It's also unclear (conflicting accounts) whether or not she had any authority or influence over him in their church group, which would have made it criminal.
I’m sorry I don’t believe that anywhere on this planet actually thinks it’s ok for a 15 year year old child to have sexual intercourse. Is it ok for a 15 year old -girl- to sleep with whomever she wants, and just have abortions when needed? Or is it different when it’s a girl?
It may be legal, (doubtful) but it’s still not ok.
That's a perfectly valid opinion and I certainly wouldn't deny you your right to make that moral judgment. But even you must admit that an awful lot of 15 year girls and boys would strongly disagree.
I like your conclusion. Human beings make mistakes, they have successes, and they can speak.Feminism, for its part, seems to be defining men out of humanity.
They also can be responsible for their actions or omissions. Thórsdóttir appears to be completely refusing to acknowledge her responsibility in the relationship with Amundsson. That’s the feminist plus. Women need never be responsible for anything.
If women having sex with underage men is now to be excused...then the law should be changed to presume consent by women in all cases unless the woman can demonstrate she was attacked randomly while walking down the street. No man should ever again be charged with underage or date rape if women can get away with this behavior.
Be careful with what you wish for. Underlying all of this is the strong movement to fully legalise all kinds of sex between adults and minors, most especially with female adults. There is a growing voice in various UN bodies where I come across this.
I've not checked but I don't think the numbers are that high. And to screw up society as badly as that would do, I think even men in prison would be secondary to the types that come up with this crap.
Why should I be polite to a bare-faced liar? If there were any truth to his claims he could have provided quotes or references, but instead he just claims personal authority on the subject. It's called "appeal to expertise" and is a classic narcissistic trait.
In Canada, police are hesitant to pursue charges against female teachers who teach completely nude to Kindergarteners, but should a man complain to the school board, the police are there to warn the man that he’s harassing the naked female elementary school teacher who’s backed by EFTO.
The teacher’s union in Ontario representing elementary school teachers. The Ontario Principal Council governs school administrators. These unions protect female teachers when they are the subject of a complaint.
Not to someone in a position of influence (or authority: I'm unclear of the correct translation). From what I can make out, someone has to be 18 to reach the age of consent to someone in a position of influence over them.
This story fits with a situation that is developing here in the state of Minnesota. In short, last April a female Democrat Senator, Nicole Mitchell, was caught in the act of committing felony burglary because she dressed all in black and broke into her step mother's home in the middle of the night stealing items she wanted but which the old woman did not wish to part with including her husband's ashes, lap top computers etc. The Democrats refused to remove her from the Senate claiming she has the right of due process but they keep delaying the trial on the argument that a trial would interfere with he ability to represent her district. (Forcing her from office would trigger an election restoring representation in a few months time.)
Last week a Republican Senator Justin Eichhorn was arrested in a sting responding to an ad in which police pretended to be a 17 year old girl seeking sex for money with older men. This is also a felony though with a lesser penalty than that of Mitchell. Unlike Mitchell, Eichhorn remains in custody and the Democrats agreed to join Republicans in expelling Eichhorn from the Senate, a fate he only avoided by resigning. So...yet again...women commit major crimes, in this case against a vulnerable adult WOMAN, and there is no accountability. The older woman whose home was invaded did not consent to be robbed. Ironically, Senator Eichhorn's crime, had the sex for money occurred, would have been consensual as the woman advertising her services for $ was engaging in prostitution. She would also be a criminal and could hardly be called a victim.
For those looking for more information Google the above names in the Minnesota Star Tribune or Alpha News or you can look for my take specifically under: A Tale of Two Senators.
The underlying problem here is that men and women will come down hard on a male perpetrator and the same men and women will adopt a kid gloves approach with a female perpetrator. Trump would not resign in such a situation. Tiene cojones.
For once I'm in full agreement. The "gender empathy gap" is real and has devastating consequences for men caught up in the judicial system, while women get leniency for exactly the same charge. It's deeply entrenched in the West but not found in non-Western countries.
Her side of the story as you related it has too many contradictions to be taken seriously.
She's obviously trying to deflect her own culpability by painting herself as a victim. There are probably some kernels of truth in the story, but it's pretty obviously very one sided and specifically engineered to paint her in the best light.
I personally think that statutory rape and "underage" laws should have a "disparity in age" component as well as just a "draw an arbitrary line" component. With that said, 6 or 7 years difference as in this case, is probably enough to be outside whatever limitation would be imposed.
Either way, it's the double standard that is the problem as you indicated. Except in instances of rape, women have agency and are just as responsible for their actions as men, regardless of the rationalizations they employ to excuse their actions.
Women demand equal rights. I respect that demand but, in return, demand that they accept equal responsibility.
I wouldn't call it a "media beat up", I'd call it the media pointing out a double standard, a point with which I completely agree.
How would reading "her full story" be any different than reading the summation of it above? It's still *her* story. It is human nature to "spin" circumstances to paint oneself in the best light possible. No one wants to believe they're the bad guy in the great drama of their lives.
She may even legitimately believe that she was the victim because she's told herself such so many times in her life to rationalize what happened, that it "became" truth in her mind regardless of the facts.
At any rate, it doesn't matter. She was the adult in the situation and thereby bears the most responsibility. Women are equal to men, remember?...therefore, the same standards apply.
"The woman did nothing wrong."
That's a matter of personal opinion and conviction, but in this instance is immaterial either way. The point is not whether the act itself was "wrong" or even "illegal" but whether such acts are treated the same regardless of the sexes of the respective participants. That was the OP's point and I agree with it.
"I'd call it the media pointing out a double standard"
For this case to be a double standard you would have to show a case where a 22 year old boy was charged with an offense for having sex with a 16 year old girl. No such case exists, because it's perfectly legal sex, and quite common. So the whole premise of this article is false. Janice has fucked up completely here, and morons like you have swallowed it whole and joined the pile on.
Pro-tip: contrary to what you may be accustomed to seeing on the internet, cursing and calling people names doesn't actually strengthen your argument. It just demonstrates that you are incapable of civil disagreement and debate.
Don't worry about my language cockhead, just acknowledge your mistake and try to learn from it. You joined the pile on without thinking it through. It's not an argument, it's a simple fact: Sex between 16 and 22 year olds is perfectly legal and normal.
Oh...I'm not worried about your language. I couldn't care less about what you think about me or call me. The point is that the common perception is that when your position is so weak that you have to resort to name calling, you've already lost the argument.
And in this case it's an accurate perception.
You made arguments, I made counterarguments, you called me names. Pretty obvious who has the better arguments.
I have no problem with admitting when I'm wrong...but I do have to be wrong first before I'll admit it.
Gee...I thought "men" (of which I am one) were the cause of all that is wrong with the world. Wasn't the "equity" in power, $, and everything else but linebacker jobs in the NFL supposed to issue in a millennia of a perfect world denied throughout history? Women have different bodies, and different temperaments (the cause of which I am unsure of "nature" or "nurture"), but obviously just as susceptible to error and malice and greed and everything else. Is anyone truly surprised by this story? In a suburb near Chicago (I live in the area) a mother and daughter from Benin kept several girls from their own country in virtual slavery for years in their suburban house but were finally discovered. The fictions we tell each other about what is the probability of behavior based on gender are basically lies.
In the early-mid 1990’s, in Colorado, a Woman in her mid-20’s STATUTORILY RAPED a 14 y/o Boy. A PREGNANCY resulted from this tryst. The judge (note lower case “j”) found the Boy, still a minor at the time of the Trial, liable for Child Support.
This case was “hushed up”, by the Feminists, on all fronts.
I agree with many of the comments here, but I offer a different standard to judge her by: Herself. As a politician she has had a long opportunity to set the standards for others, in supporting legislation, regulation, management and leadership of the very issues she must now answer to. It is fair to judge her by the standards she has laid down in this body of work. I have little doubt that fairly judged by those standards she would suffer a cruel verdict.
Yes, we wish society would recognize the humanity of all parties, a perspective rarely accorded to males. This was rape, defined legally. Yet, we see normal passion, sexuality, friendship, and sadness experienced by both parties - which would never be recognized if the older one were male.
A person who deprives a child of having a relationship with their father is a fiend, a monster, despicable.
Particularly when she insisted that, and the father did, fulfill their obligations in paying child support.
She is a warped, selfish and evil human being. I don't deny her humanity, but she is an example of humanity at its worst.
It is not rape, legally. All illegal sex is not rape. I don't know how rape is defined in the jurisdiction of Iceland, but the boy was above the age of consent there so, if he consented, how can you call that rape?
Ah - I didn't realize that about the age of consent in Iceland. Sensible.
In other words, another he-said, she-said.
Sorry, without clear and convincing PHYSICAL evidence of coercion documented within 72 hours, "innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt" SHOULD be the standard for both sides.
You can ostracize, but you can't imprison.
I'm unsure whether Thórsdóttir should be charged with a crime or not as the legal situation is not clear (we only have her version of events including the timeline). However, we do know that in spite of her assertions that the young man was not really interested in being a father, she was happy for him to pay child support for 18 years. So as well as being older than him and in a position of trust/power, she soon had a husband and both of them presumably were not in low paid jobs. Her 'truth' ramblings drew no sympathy from me, sorry. My unkind description of her involves the word 'cow'.
She's a stupid, nasty bitch
the "husband" must be of the same type of hypocrisy to accept the money for 18 years
Not necessarily. He probably had no say in the matter.
You’ve presented a balanced and appropriately nuanced analysis, Janice. We need to find a way to ensure women are held equally accountable as are men for similar transgressions; otherwise, logic suggests that society will begin to entertain that women should not be permitted to hold positions of responsibility, as they can’t be held responsible for their actions.
How ironic that feminism becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy. Such is the dynamic of gender narcissism.
"She also opposed numerous requests by her child’s father to form and maintain a relationship with his son."
This is classic "Maternal Gatekeeping" and Parental Alienation in practice.
This story indicates the hypocrisy of Feminism, where there is no equality under the law or, in particular, how the rule of law is applied differently depending on gender.
In comparison, Luis Rubiales lost his job, suffered extreme public humiliation and was charged and convicted of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso.
Bingo. Perfect comparison.
Phillip Hickox you need to read the woman's full statement, not Janice's biased and cherrypicked version.
I have read her version, we have yet to read or hear what that once young man has to say.
Like the saying goes, there is her version, his version and then there is the truth.
Her story is perfectly understandable and has the "ring of truth" about it. The fact that we've never heard from the bloke speaks volumes in itself. If he had any grievance he would have aired it by now. The whole affair only came to light because some woman with an agenda tried to extort the PM. It's a complete non-story which the media has beat up no end and Janice has foolishly joined the pile on.
Until more information comes to light, I have reservations about her story.
Fair enough, but you had no reservations about declaring "This is classic "Maternal Gatekeeping" and Parental Alienation in practice."
https://www.salon.com/2000/06/12/gatekeeping/
Do you have a link?
https://icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/news/2025/03/21/thorsdottir_gives_a_statement_says_her_child_s_fath/
Much thanks. I'm really getting wrapped up in this story.
We all know, for an absolute fact, the boy would be in jail now had the positions been reversed. That being an absolute fact, why do we allow female predators to get away with their crimes?
Are they more equal???
Because we wish for a society that is compassionate toward both sexes when friendship becomes mutual romance.
… but the way things are, show that’s not what’s happening.
By design-
The younger the age of females first encounter to sex, the more likely she will never be able to pair bond with any man and cause untold damage to them all. Let’s lower it to age 3 shall we? 😞
Why would a 22 year old boy get jail for having sex with a 16 year old girl? It's perfectly legal sex. Happens every day.
We don't know that for a fact at all. The boy was above the age of consent. Just the fact they had sex is NOT proof of any crime whatsoever.
Are you sure about that? Because if the roles would’ve been reversed, it doesn’t matter what the circumstances were. The man would be in jail and everybody here knows it!
Either something is a crime or it isn't. I think the thing that's hanging everyone up here is that he was 15 or 16 years old and we're used to a higher age of consent. In Iceland, though, it's 15 so he was able to legally consent. It's also unclear (conflicting accounts) whether or not she had any authority or influence over him in their church group, which would have made it criminal.
I’m sorry I don’t believe that anywhere on this planet actually thinks it’s ok for a 15 year year old child to have sexual intercourse. Is it ok for a 15 year old -girl- to sleep with whomever she wants, and just have abortions when needed? Or is it different when it’s a girl?
It may be legal, (doubtful) but it’s still not ok.
Any parent will tell you…
That's a perfectly valid opinion and I certainly wouldn't deny you your right to make that moral judgment. But even you must admit that an awful lot of 15 year girls and boys would strongly disagree.
"I don’t believe that anywhere on this planet actually thinks it’s ok for a 15 year year old child to have sexual intercourse"
Well, except for Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, etc. where the age of consent is 14. You're not making sense Clayton.
Really? So you are ok if I “pump and dump” your 14 year old daughter???
Liar…
I like your conclusion. Human beings make mistakes, they have successes, and they can speak.Feminism, for its part, seems to be defining men out of humanity.
They also can be responsible for their actions or omissions. Thórsdóttir appears to be completely refusing to acknowledge her responsibility in the relationship with Amundsson. That’s the feminist plus. Women need never be responsible for anything.
Here in the UK we have numerous so called "Human Rights Barristers" but they are that only if one considers that men are not Human (they probably do).
I don’t doubt that.
If women having sex with underage men is now to be excused...then the law should be changed to presume consent by women in all cases unless the woman can demonstrate she was attacked randomly while walking down the street. No man should ever again be charged with underage or date rape if women can get away with this behavior.
Be careful with what you wish for. Underlying all of this is the strong movement to fully legalise all kinds of sex between adults and minors, most especially with female adults. There is a growing voice in various UN bodies where I come across this.
No that ain't going to happen. And give up all those opportunities to incarcerate males?
I've not checked but I don't think the numbers are that high. And to screw up society as badly as that would do, I think even men in prison would be secondary to the types that come up with this crap.
Douglas you are so full of shit. Check your facts you ignorant moron.
Toujours la politesse.
Why should I be polite to a bare-faced liar? If there were any truth to his claims he could have provided quotes or references, but instead he just claims personal authority on the subject. It's called "appeal to expertise" and is a classic narcissistic trait.
In Canada, police are hesitant to pursue charges against female teachers who teach completely nude to Kindergarteners, but should a man complain to the school board, the police are there to warn the man that he’s harassing the naked female elementary school teacher who’s backed by EFTO.
What is EFTO?
The teacher’s union in Ontario representing elementary school teachers. The Ontario Principal Council governs school administrators. These unions protect female teachers when they are the subject of a complaint.
Thanks. Our unions in the US are similarly gynocentric.
He wasn't underage. The age of consent is 15 in Iceland.
Not to someone in a position of influence (or authority: I'm unclear of the correct translation). From what I can make out, someone has to be 18 to reach the age of consent to someone in a position of influence over them.
He wasn't underage.
Wow, that is an amazing story, told with Janice's usual thoughtfulness and honesty.
Thank you, my friend! I learned a lot from your writing style.
This is the female version of the “dindu nuffin” complex.
This story fits with a situation that is developing here in the state of Minnesota. In short, last April a female Democrat Senator, Nicole Mitchell, was caught in the act of committing felony burglary because she dressed all in black and broke into her step mother's home in the middle of the night stealing items she wanted but which the old woman did not wish to part with including her husband's ashes, lap top computers etc. The Democrats refused to remove her from the Senate claiming she has the right of due process but they keep delaying the trial on the argument that a trial would interfere with he ability to represent her district. (Forcing her from office would trigger an election restoring representation in a few months time.)
Last week a Republican Senator Justin Eichhorn was arrested in a sting responding to an ad in which police pretended to be a 17 year old girl seeking sex for money with older men. This is also a felony though with a lesser penalty than that of Mitchell. Unlike Mitchell, Eichhorn remains in custody and the Democrats agreed to join Republicans in expelling Eichhorn from the Senate, a fate he only avoided by resigning. So...yet again...women commit major crimes, in this case against a vulnerable adult WOMAN, and there is no accountability. The older woman whose home was invaded did not consent to be robbed. Ironically, Senator Eichhorn's crime, had the sex for money occurred, would have been consensual as the woman advertising her services for $ was engaging in prostitution. She would also be a criminal and could hardly be called a victim.
For those looking for more information Google the above names in the Minnesota Star Tribune or Alpha News or you can look for my take specifically under: A Tale of Two Senators.
Wow, thank you for these.
The underlying problem here is that men and women will come down hard on a male perpetrator and the same men and women will adopt a kid gloves approach with a female perpetrator. Trump would not resign in such a situation. Tiene cojones.
For once I'm in full agreement. The "gender empathy gap" is real and has devastating consequences for men caught up in the judicial system, while women get leniency for exactly the same charge. It's deeply entrenched in the West but not found in non-Western countries.
I think you're being naïve.
Her side of the story as you related it has too many contradictions to be taken seriously.
She's obviously trying to deflect her own culpability by painting herself as a victim. There are probably some kernels of truth in the story, but it's pretty obviously very one sided and specifically engineered to paint her in the best light.
I personally think that statutory rape and "underage" laws should have a "disparity in age" component as well as just a "draw an arbitrary line" component. With that said, 6 or 7 years difference as in this case, is probably enough to be outside whatever limitation would be imposed.
Either way, it's the double standard that is the problem as you indicated. Except in instances of rape, women have agency and are just as responsible for their actions as men, regardless of the rationalizations they employ to excuse their actions.
Women demand equal rights. I respect that demand but, in return, demand that they accept equal responsibility.
"Her side of the story as you related it has too many contradictions to be taken seriously."
How about reading her full story yourself before passing judgement. The woman did nothing wrong. It's just a media beat up.
I wouldn't call it a "media beat up", I'd call it the media pointing out a double standard, a point with which I completely agree.
How would reading "her full story" be any different than reading the summation of it above? It's still *her* story. It is human nature to "spin" circumstances to paint oneself in the best light possible. No one wants to believe they're the bad guy in the great drama of their lives.
She may even legitimately believe that she was the victim because she's told herself such so many times in her life to rationalize what happened, that it "became" truth in her mind regardless of the facts.
At any rate, it doesn't matter. She was the adult in the situation and thereby bears the most responsibility. Women are equal to men, remember?...therefore, the same standards apply.
"The woman did nothing wrong."
That's a matter of personal opinion and conviction, but in this instance is immaterial either way. The point is not whether the act itself was "wrong" or even "illegal" but whether such acts are treated the same regardless of the sexes of the respective participants. That was the OP's point and I agree with it.
"I'd call it the media pointing out a double standard"
For this case to be a double standard you would have to show a case where a 22 year old boy was charged with an offense for having sex with a 16 year old girl. No such case exists, because it's perfectly legal sex, and quite common. So the whole premise of this article is false. Janice has fucked up completely here, and morons like you have swallowed it whole and joined the pile on.
Pro-tip: contrary to what you may be accustomed to seeing on the internet, cursing and calling people names doesn't actually strengthen your argument. It just demonstrates that you are incapable of civil disagreement and debate.
Thanks for playing.
Don't worry about my language cockhead, just acknowledge your mistake and try to learn from it. You joined the pile on without thinking it through. It's not an argument, it's a simple fact: Sex between 16 and 22 year olds is perfectly legal and normal.
Oh...I'm not worried about your language. I couldn't care less about what you think about me or call me. The point is that the common perception is that when your position is so weak that you have to resort to name calling, you've already lost the argument.
And in this case it's an accurate perception.
You made arguments, I made counterarguments, you called me names. Pretty obvious who has the better arguments.
I have no problem with admitting when I'm wrong...but I do have to be wrong first before I'll admit it.
I suggest Thórsdóttir is best characterised as a vicious cow.
I have no sympathy for her excuses.
Demanding child support under the circumstances (e.g. his youth, her being with a partner) and refusing his contact with their child are repugnant.
Gee...I thought "men" (of which I am one) were the cause of all that is wrong with the world. Wasn't the "equity" in power, $, and everything else but linebacker jobs in the NFL supposed to issue in a millennia of a perfect world denied throughout history? Women have different bodies, and different temperaments (the cause of which I am unsure of "nature" or "nurture"), but obviously just as susceptible to error and malice and greed and everything else. Is anyone truly surprised by this story? In a suburb near Chicago (I live in the area) a mother and daughter from Benin kept several girls from their own country in virtual slavery for years in their suburban house but were finally discovered. The fictions we tell each other about what is the probability of behavior based on gender are basically lies.
First rule of politics, Politicians always lie.
Her story sounded like she used her experience and the full access to PR people to round out her story and make herself out to be a victim.
The phrases she uses are so hot right now.
And denial of visitation is a tactic, no matter how much she disguises it. That alone makes my alarm bells ring.
Another great one: Well done!
In the early-mid 1990’s, in Colorado, a Woman in her mid-20’s STATUTORILY RAPED a 14 y/o Boy. A PREGNANCY resulted from this tryst. The judge (note lower case “j”) found the Boy, still a minor at the time of the Trial, liable for Child Support.
This case was “hushed up”, by the Feminists, on all fronts.
I believe it has occurred in all English speaking nations. I've known somebody in Australia who went through it.
I agree with many of the comments here, but I offer a different standard to judge her by: Herself. As a politician she has had a long opportunity to set the standards for others, in supporting legislation, regulation, management and leadership of the very issues she must now answer to. It is fair to judge her by the standards she has laid down in this body of work. I have little doubt that fairly judged by those standards she would suffer a cruel verdict.