The Progressive Party candidate, Sveinbjörg Birna Sveinbjörnsdóttir, voiced her opinion opposing construction of Iceland´s first Mosque.
Sveinbjörg is leading the Progressive Party in Reykjavík in the local government elections, which will be held throughout Iceland on Saturday, May 31st.
The Reykjavik City Council has already approved the construction of the Mosque, which is expected to begin early next year. However, Sveinbjörn states that she is not opposing the Mosque based on intolerance, but rather on her own personal experience.
The progressive party politician spoke to visir.is and mentioned her experience living in Saudi Arabia as the basis for her decision. She states that it is important for people to follow the customs of the country they reside in, rather than practicing their native customs, or in this case, religion.
Sveinbjörg's attitude has been met with general outcry from the public. Additionally, leaders of other parties running in Reykjavík have voiced their disaproval.
However Prime Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, the chairman of the Progressive party, has not commented on Sveinbjörg´s statement, raising questions about his opinion on the matter.
With regards to the upcoming elections, the Progressive party is not projected to secure any seats in Reykjavik, with polls currently showing around 3% support from the general public.
The Progressive Party candidate, Sveinbjörg Birna Sveinbjörnsdóttir, voiced her opinion opposing construction of Iceland´s first Mosque.
Sveinbjörg is leading the Progressive Party in Reykjavík in the local government elections, which will be held throughout Iceland on Saturday, May 31st.
The Reykjavik City Council has already approved the construction of the Mosque, which is expected to begin early next year. However, Sveinbjörn states that she is not opposing the Mosque based on intolerance, but rather on her own personal experience.
The progressive party politician spoke to visir.is and mentioned her experience living in Saudi Arabia as the basis for her decision. She states that it is important for people to follow the customs of the country they reside in, rather than practicing their native customs, or in this case, religion.
Sveinbjörg's attitude has been met with general outcry from the public. Additionally, leaders of other parties running in Reykjavík have voiced their disaproval.
However Prime Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, the chairman of the Progressive party, has not commented on Sveinbjörg´s statement, raising questions about his opinion on the matter.
With regards to the upcoming elections, the Progressive party is not projected to secure any seats in Reykjavik, with polls currently showing around 3% support from the general public.
