Press release -
Norway - Powered by Equality
Norway highlights equality on its Constitution Day. The 17th May marks both the Norwegian National day and the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
The 17th May has been the Norwegian National day since 1814, the year the Constitution of Norway was signed at Eidsvoll. Constitution Day is traditionally associated with children’s parades, Norwegian flags, marching bands, russ students, traditional costumes known as bunad and loads of ice cream and pølser (hot dogs).
On a very special day for Norwegians and fans of Norway from all over the world, Visit Norway changes its logo to the colours of the rainbow and “Powered by Equality”, in order to raise awareness on LGBTIQ rights for the International Day against Homophopia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
Oslo as host for IDAHOT+ Forum 2019
From the 13th May to the 15th May, a few days before Constitution Day, Oslo hosted the IDAHOT+ Forum 2019 focusing on LGBTIQ policies and challenges. The conference included a Nordic ministerial meeting hosted by the Norwegian Minister of Culture and Equality, Trine Skei Grande. The 34 countries that make up the network all signed a joint decleration with a call for a renewed commitment from the Council of Europe and its Committee of Ministers, from the EU institutions and from European states to further work for LGBTI rights and inclusion.
Norway is currently the fourth best country in the world for LGBTIQ rights, according to ILGA Europe and the second best country in the world when it comes to gender equality.
Still work to do in Norway as well
Not everything is perfect, though. This is the reason why Visit Norway raises the rainbow flag together with the Norwegian flag on Constitution Day. Because we are proud of the Norwegian values and democracy, and of all people living in our country, no matter orientation.
As His Majesty King Harald V of Norway declared in his speech from 2016:
"Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who like boys, and girls and boys who are fond of each other. (…) When we in our national anthem sing; “Yes, we love this country,” we must remember that we also sing about each other. For it’s we who make up the country. Therefore, our national anthem also is a declaration of love to the Norwegian people."
– We are proud to see how far the Norwegian society has come in terms of equality. With this initiative on Constitution day, Visit Norway wishes to stress that there are still challenges to overcome. Norway is a country that welcomes everyone, no matter who you love, says Bente Bratland Holm, Director Visit Norway.
