Reykjavik police are investigating Catholic priest Fr. Jakob Rolland after an interview with broadcaster RÚV in which he described the Church’s approach to helping individuals struggling with same-sex attraction. The probe centers on Iceland’s 2024 conversion therapy ban, which prohibits any attempt—by professionals or private citizens—to change or suppress sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Fr. Rolland explained that the Catholic Church does not provide organized therapy aimed at altering sexual orientation. Instead, it offers spiritual and moral guidance, including participation in parish life, worship, and prayer for those who seek help. “Everyone who comes to church has their problems and sins, struggling to some degree with bad tendencies towards something,” he said. He added that “conversion”—turning from evil toward good—is central to Catholic life.
The broadly worded law, passed almost unanimously by parliament in 2023, has raised concerns that it criminalizes legitimate pastoral counseling and religious practice. Iceland’s justice minister has asked the Office of Equality Affairs to review its scope, following a recommendation from the General and Education Committee. Committee sponsor Helga Vala Helgadóttir has called for investigations into religious groups, including the Catholic Church.The case highlights the threat such legislation poses to religious freedom and free speech.
Similar bans are being considered at the EU level under the LGBT Equality Strategy 2026–2030. Vague definitions risk suppressing lawful spiritual guidance and parental engagement, effectively silencing traditional Christian teaching on human sexuality and morality. Fr. Rolland’s situation serves as a warning: Iceland’s law is being used to scrutinize and potentially punish priests for simply upholding the Church’s timeless moral guidance.