Two MPs breached parliamentary ethics with their sexist remarks about fellow politicians at Klaustur Bar last November, according to the Parliamentary Ethics Committee, Morgunblaðið reports. The MPs in question, Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson and Bergþór Ólason, both of the Centre Party, have contested the ruling. The Parliamentary Speakers’ Committee has made a final ruling on the matter which will be made public later today.
Six MPs took part in the conversation at Klaustur Bar last November, which unbeknownst to them was recorded and later made public. The remarks of the other four MPs, all of the Centre and People’s Party, were not considered a breach of ethics. The conversation included sexist, homophobic, and ableist remarks about other politicians and public figures, and led to public protests and calls for the MPs’ resignation.
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“As previously stated, conduct that is considered immoral or inappropriate on behalf of the Parliament can devalue the Parliament and damage its image,” reads the Ethics Committee’s ruling in part. “This may include inappropriate behaviour or disrespect toward a gender, race, or religion. The Ethics Committee does not consider it necessary to analyse every single aspect of the comments. They all share the same root. They are indecent and consist of disrespect toward the gender of the women discussed. The Ethics Committee considers them disdainful and damaging to the image of Parliament, in addition to showing a lack of respect for Alþingi, its position, and its work.”
The Parliamentary Speaker’s Committee met today to discuss the matter and has made a final ruling. The ruling will first be sent to the six MPs in question, and be made public later today.
