Rules on responses and remedies for undesirable behavior of members of Althingi in a work related context

Abstract

The article explores the rules that apply to inappropriate behavior of members of Althingi, such as harassment, sexual and gender-based harassment and violence. The article discusses the provisions of the Code of Ethics for members of Althingi, which emphasize a healthy working environment inside and outside Althingi and prohibit harassment, sexual and gender-based harassment as well as other disrespectful treatment by members of Althingi towards other members, staff and guests. Furthermore, the article analyses whether rules in the field of labour protection, which are intended to prevent such conduct in the workplace, apply to Althingi and to members of Althingi, and how they interact with the Code of Ethics. It also analyses to what extent members of Althingi can incur criminal and tort liability for conduct that is prohibited in the Code of Ethics. The main conclusions of the article are that the requirements imposed by the Code of Ethics on members of Althingi are akin to those that apply to the staff of Althingi according to rules in the field of labour protection. Members of Althingi can also incur criminal liability pursuant to the General Penal Code as well as tort liability for conduct that is prohibited by the relevant provisions of the Code of Ethics, provided that the conditions of such liability are met. Although members of Althingi enjoy a certain degree of immunity pursuant to the Constitution, its scope is limited and can always be revoked by Althingi.