Family and equality

Family Forms

In Norway, there are several recognized family forms. Marriage, cohabitation, and single parents all have legal rights. Marriage has been gender-neutral since 2009, which means that both heterosexual and homosexual couples can get married.

Marriage and Divorce

To get married in Norway, both parties must be at least 18 years old. Forced marriage is prohibited and punishable. In the case of divorce, normally a one-year separation period is required before the final divorce. If the parties agree, they can apply for separation directly to the County Governor.

Gender EqualityEquality is a fundamental value in Norwegian society. The Equality and Anti-Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation.

Important milestones in equality:

• Women gained the right to vote in 1913
• The Equality Act was passed in 1978
• Quota rules for corporate boards from 2006
• Shared parental leave with a father’s quota

Parental Leave

Norwegian parents have the right to parental leave at birth or adoption. The leave is divided between the parents, and both have a quota that cannot be transferred to the other.

Children’s RightsChildren have their own rights protected by the Children Act and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The best interests of the child shall always be the overriding consideration. Important rights:

• Right to care and safety
• Right to be heard in matters concerning them (from 7 years old)
• Prohibition of physical punishment of children
• Right to contact with both parents after separation
• Child welfare services intervene if children do not receive adequate care

Family and equality are part of the syllabus for the social studies test . Also read about health and education and democracy and rights . Practice with a free theory test .