No, Norway Did Not Just Introduce a Bill to Allow Trans People in the US to Apply for Asylum There ★
I'm writing this because of an extremely viral Bluesky post which got support from Mark Hamill of all people is making the rounds. I was hoping a post of some kind if it got popular enough would break through to the SEO world it could make a dent in SEO and show up for people searching because the viral post in question is extremely misleading, if not outright lying to people while providing false hope for those who may wish to seek asylum. I made a post on /r/asktransgender but the mods didn't feel it was apropriate for there and /r/transgender only accepts linked posts. So I know I'm just a small time blog but I do have experience as a journalist, so I hope you'll give me a chance to prove, with sources, how this post is false. Sorry to be such a bummer and sharing bad news...
The Green Party in Norwegian parliament has ONLY SHOWN SUPPORT for such a motion to take place, I could find no information of any kind stating a bill has actually been submitted. The article translated in the previous link came from Aftenposten which, from as far as I can tell, is a reputable source. However, that source does not state that an actual bill of any kind has been filed. It is focused upon a politician who as of writing this post has not even been elected as well. On top of this, the Green Party only controls three seats within Norwegian parliament as of writing. So while it is not impossible a small group of voices could potentially turn the tide and get others to support such a bill, the news being spread as if it something with widespread support that trans people could or should start planning around is both dangerous and wrong.
While maintaining my absolute bummer status, it's also important to note that even if this did happen, it's not easy to seek asylum in another country. In fact, trans and LGBTQ+ asylum seekers refuge in Norway have historically faced difficulties and mistreatment, from being misgendered by staff they need to work with and much, much worse like sexual assault. So even if Norway does make itself available to trans refugees from the United States, which would truly be a remarkable and laudible thing to do, those who take that plunge will likely find difficult challenges ahead.
Sorry once again to be the bearer of such bad news. I really hope that this can serve a lesson on not trusting people who put BREAKING: in a post online without sources. I would hope people like Mark Hamill and others would be more responsible with the news stories they support or share. Please share this post of mine far and wide as you can, hopefully it will make it easier for trans folks seeing the lies in that post who are now searching for information find answers easier. I have archived the original Bluesky post here in case it is (hopefully) reported enough for misinformation to be removed. Thank you, and do your best to stay safe my trans brethren.
