The Liberals’ Jan Jönsson recently released an attention-grabbing campaign film in which he reads fairy tales to children dressed as a drag queen.
The film has been met with strong reactions and now the politician is reporting the hate and threats he has received to the police.
– It has crossed the line, says Jan Jönsson, Social Citizens’ Councilor for the City of Stockholm.
The campaign film that he fronts is made as a counter-action against the voices that want to stop fairytale moments with drag artists.
“Fairytales are not dangerous for children and neither are drag queens, but populism and intolerance are dangerous for children and for adults,” says Jan Jönsson in the film where he dresses in drag.
Received hate and threats
According to him, it was important to do this to alert people to take a stand on the ongoing debate and reactions have varied.
– There have been overwhelmingly positive reactions, says Jan Jönsson and continues:
– Then it is unfortunately the case that a number of people have very strong opinions about this and who cannot behave and make very offensive comments.
“Must take this fight”
Jan Jönsson says that so far there have been a few reactions that, according to him, crossed the line into threats. Something that will be reported to the police.
– It is obvious to me and also to the city of Stockholm that we do not allow threats against anyone, says Jan Jönsson.
He also says that he was prepared for strong reactions. Even so, he thought it was a worthwhile effort to make.
– Earlier in my political life, I have had rounds of this type of exposure and it has rather strengthened my opinion that we who live in a free country must take this fight.
– I cannot be silent, but must help other people to also be able to express their opinion.