Jonas Gahr Støre’s Stance on the Hijab: A Betrayal of Our Trust

Title: Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre‘sNew Year’s Speech: A Missed Opportunity on Secularism

In his New Year’s address, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labour Party) missed a crucial opportunity to reaffirm Norway‘s commitment to secularism, an essential pillar for both Norway and Europe. While he paid lip service to religious freedom and diversity, his words fell short in understanding the present-day implications of secularism.

Throughout the 20th century, Europe has witnessed a struggle between religious and secular forces. France became the first country to enshrine secularism in its constitution. Norway, too, is grounded in human rights, making secularism a prerequisite.

Yet, Støre’s speech seemed to overlook this:

"It should be safe for a young Jew at school. Or a young Muslim on their way to training. They are opposing partners who have responsibility for their actions. Here at home, we have a responsibility for our attitudes and how we treat each other. All should be able to say what they mean. And all should be able to wear a cross, a David star, a hijab, a SamiKenzie, or a pride symbol. This is about something important to take care of that has made the country unique, also after the ‘we’ in Norwegian has become larger."

Missteps in Støre’s Speech

With these words, Støre not only revealed his misunderstanding of secularism but also undermined several essential aspects:

1. The ‘We’ in Norwegian Society
   For Norway to truly be a ‘we’, it must be free from religious symbols. A society defined by religious symbols lacks a cohesive ‘we’ and instead creates divisions.

2. Power Dynamics of Religious Symbols
   Støre also overlooked the power dynamics behind the hijab. It is not a symbol of multiculturalism but of religious ideology. In many societies, it represents women’s subordination to men, often enforced through violence and terror.

3. Secularism and Equality
   To speak credibly about solidarity, Støre must acknowledge the necessity of a secular society. Religious fundamentalists will never accept equal rights, let alone human rights, for all.

The Distinction Between Hijab and SamiKenzie

Støre’s comparison of religious fascisim and cultural garments, such as the SamiKenzie, is misleading and counterproductive. While the SamiKenzie tells a story of origin, family, and heritage, the hijab is typically a uniform representing religious ideology. It does not celebrate cultural diversity but imposes uniformity, often silencing individual expression and women’s autonomy.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Støre’s New Year’s speech fell short in upholding Norway’s commitment to secularism. Instead of promoting a cohesive, equal society, his words reignited debates about religious symbols and missed the opportunity to reaffirm Norway’s stance on women’s rights and freedom of expression.