City councilor Raymond Johansen (Labor Party) says terrorism must be fought every day. But he is also concerned that queers in Norway are still harassed daily on the streets – by ordinary people.
Less than 30 minutes ago
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We meet him in the street where Jon E. Isachsen (54) and Kåre Arvid Hesvik (60) were killed and many others injured when Zaniar Matapour (42) opened fire in central Oslo on Saturday night.
– Freedom, liberalism, tolerance and respect are not something we can take for granted. There are values that are not won once and for all. We see everywhere that there is a threat to those values. In Europe, in the USA and in Norway, says Johansen.
– Harassment happens every day
He says he does not want to say anything about the motive for the terror.
In any case, such terror shows that someone with a weapon in their hand is fighting for division and intolerance – the opposite of liberal values.
Johansen says Pride is important in that fight.
– We must take terror seriously and fight back. This shows the importance of Pride, and that it is important to make a circle around the queer environment. And to turn our backs on violence and terror.
He says that as city council leader he has received many testimonies and disappointing messages.
– As city council leader in Oslo, I know that harassment of queers is something that happens every day, he says.
– Threats of banking
VG reporter Espen Moe Breivik was one of those who this weekend told about his sad experiences as a gay man in the Norwegian public space.
“The truth is that in all relationships I have had with men, I have experienced comments and threats. I have been threatened with a bank for having rainbow colors on my face or for holding my boyfriend’s hand, on the dance floor, in line to buy night food and on the way home. I have received comments, messages and been called for. I have never been physically attacked, but it has veins of me “, he wrote, among other things on Facebook.
Raymond Johansen says he is unfortunately not surprised.
–– It shows that we have a long way to go. As a politician here in the city, I have been told that someone has been beaten up, on the assumption that they are gay, because they look feminine.
He asks that people think about.
– This is a deeper and more comprehensive problem than many people think. We think we have come further than we have, says Johansen.
– Sticking your finger into something painful
He says that in many circles there is a great deal of support for liberation, tolerance and liberal values.
– Then there are other environments that are intolerant of queers. A lot has happened in Norway since the decriminalization 50 years ago, but there is a lot of tension in the team. That means this is a battle we must take. It is necessary and uncomfortable. Unpleasant because we stick our finger into something painful, says Johansen.
Unfortunately, he believes that we only see the tip of the iceberg, because there are so many queer people in Norway who are still so scared, that they do not dare to live free lives.
– Think of everyone who does not dare to stand out as they are. What happened in Oslo is absolutely terrible, but it is both a reminder that we must fight extremely radical forces – and for society at large; that there are many queers who will be harassed in Norway in 2022.
– Of course to show love
He says we must get to the point where it is perfectly fine for queers to rent each other and show their love in public in Norway.
– We must go there that it is a matter of course to be able to show love and love whoever you want. Love is greatest of all, but it is not strong enough because the opposition to it is still great.
He says that the municipality has not been involved in the safety assessment related to the Pridetog cancellation or the evening’s canceled marking on Rådhusplassen.
– No, we are not the organizer, it is Oslo Pride. They are the ones who have requested and received assessments from the police.
– Be interesting
Johansen is very careful about commenting on the police investigation.
In many countries affected by terrorism, where intelligence has clear links to extreme Muslim milieus, raids and imprisonments of people linked to this milieu are often seen to secure possible clues.
– We have not seen that here?
– We followed PST’s press conference on Sunday, which was interesting, where they told about the increased level of security. They will probably eventually announce the process and investigative steps they are taking.
He says it’s sad that the planned marking on Town Hall Square tonight must be canceled due to security concerns, but wrote on Facebook Monday afternoon that people should follow police advice.
People defied the police advice and flocked to Rådhusplassen – watch video here:
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