In the coming days, the Committee on Family and Cultural Affairs will consider a proposal from the Christian Democratic Party (KrF), titled “a bill to scrap Bufdir’s guidance on engaging with gender diversity for public sector employees”. The party justifies the proposal, among other things, by arguing that if measures are introduced to signal safety for one minority, this could open the door for “any minority group experiencing ‘minority stress’ to demand similar forms of marking in the public sphere”.
We, representing the broad field of organisations working against discrimination and unequal treatment in Norway, wish to warn against the proposal.
KrF’s proposal is a reaction to the fact that the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir) is currently developing guidelines on how public sector employees can best engage in conversations with transgender people and others who do not conform to norms and expectations related to gender.
Such guidance should not be controversial. It is grounded in human rights and democratic principles and seeks to support public sector employees in providing better care on the minority group’s own terms.
We know that transgender people are the group within the LGBTQ+ community most exposed to discrimination, violence and poor mental health. Studies show that transgender people in Norway are particularly vulnerable to abuse, harassment and violence. Living conditions are challenging for this small group among us, and the risk of suicide is extremely high. Meeting the transgender minority with greater understanding should therefore be something everyone can support.
In addition, the issue is a matter of principle. In Norway, we are entitled to adapted public services, whether we belong to a majority or are part of a minority. Public services have a particular responsibility to treat all users with respect and equality, free from moral judgement. Bufdir’s professional guidance will offer healthcare professionals and other public sector employees knowledge on how to meet transgender people in a respectful and supportive manner.
If transgender people can be stripped of their rights as citizens in Norway, the way is opened for those next in line to be affected to include people with disabilities, immigrants, religious minorities or national minorities.
Human rights apply to all groups. The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act establishes that public authorities must work actively, systematically and purposefully to promote equality and prevent discrimination.
This requires a universal protection of minorities. We will no longer have this if we allow politicians to decide which minorities should be granted additional protection, and which should not.
The proposal concerns transgender people. If it is adopted, the same line of argument could be used against other groups. The proposal must therefore be regarded as an attack on all minorities among us: if transgender people can be stripped of their rights as citizens in Norway, the way is opened for those next in line to be affected to include people with disabilities, immigrants, religious minorities or national minorities.
This is not a development that a welfare state and society governed by the rule of law, like Norway, should tolerate. We urge all parties in the Storting to reject KrF's proposal when it comes to a vote.
Signed by:
- Stephen Adom, FRI - Foreningen for kjønns- og seksualitetsmangfold
- Umar Ashraf, Antirasistisk Senter
- Siri Espe, Unge funksjonshemmede
- Hanne Farideh Lyseth, Skeiv Verden
- Henrik Madsen, Kvääninuoret – Kvenungdommen
- Rabia Musavi, LIN – Likestilling, Inkludering og Nettverk
- Birthe Nordahl, Samarbeidsrådet for tros- og livssyn
- Terje André Olsen, Funksjonshemmedes fellesorganisasjon
- Lee Michael Shults, UiA - Senter for likestilling
- Are Saastad, Reform – ressurssenter for menn
- Johan Daniel Turi, Norske Samers Riksforbund
All of the signatories have been appointed to Bufdir's Equality Council for the period 2026-2027.