Hans Rustad's editor association membership faces vote amid renewed trans-article scandal

A meeting of Norsk Redaktørforening’s board on Friday will decide whether Hans Rustad remains a member, as the controversy surrounding him intensifies. The dispute reignited after Document republished a previously removed debate piece on trans persons, which PFU judged to breach point 4.3 of the Vær Varsom-plakaten by making generalized, disparaging statements about the group. Elin Floberghagen, secretary-general of Norsk Presseforbund, labeled the reposting a “pure provocation” and said it contravenes press-ethical obligations.

The issue has prompted a wave of resignations from the association, notably three editors from Morgenbladet, while other figures such as Danby Choi, Mari Skurdal and Vebjørn Selbekk argue against expulsion. Rustad’s earlier conduct also drew fire for inflammatory comments in his “skogpod” podcast, where he likened Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to a “new quisling” and attacked other Labour ministers. The board’s decision, already on the agenda before the latest public outcry, remains uncertain.