Storting representative Grunde Almeland (V) has sent a written question to Minister for Children and Families Kjersti Toppe (Sp) about the rules surrounding ash scattering in nature. Undertaker Arvid Steinum at Alpha Burial in Stavanger says people scatter the ashes of their loved ones wherever they want, although there are strict rules for where this can happen. Photo: Gunnar Morsund / news The background is the article by news, where undertaker Arvid Steinum in Stavanger wants new rules for scattering ashes. – We are a people in change and development, and the law that was written back then, it is not in step with the times we live in now, says Almeland to news. Today’s rules regarding the scattering of ashes are strict, where it is only allowed to scatter the ashes over the open sea or in deserted places in nature. Applications for this must be approved by the State Administrator. – This is a clear example of a law that has expired. There is no problem that people should be allowed to decide for themselves how they want to do this type of ceremony and commemoration and funerals. Storting representative Grunde Almeland (V) asks the Minister for Children and Families to change the Funeral Act, which he believes has expired. Photo: Leif Rune Løland / news Almeland believes it is time to de-bureaucratise the scheme for spreading ashes. – It cannot be a goal in itself that we should have as many applications as possible to the state. I think the easiest thing here is to update the law, and make it easier for people to decide for themselves, says Almeland, who is also head of the family and culture committee at the Storting. – Reasons for maintaining rules Minister for Children and Families Kjersti Toppe (Sp) does not want to ease the rules on ash scattering. – I believe there are good reasons against people’s ashes being able to be spread closer to residential areas, hiking trails and recreational areas where a lot of people travel. Minister for Children and Families Kjersti Toppe. Photo: William Jobling / news At a high time of change Human-Etisk Forbund is completely in line with Venstre’s parliamentary representative. Chairman Christian Lomsdalen is calling for a liberalization of the Funeral Act, which he believes is left over from another time with a less open-minded society. – The most important thing for us is that we fulfill the wishes of the deceased or next of kin. This can be a bit difficult when you set the type of requirements that the legislation does today. I think that as long as we take other people into account and do not disturb them, I think that it will go well for the vast majority of people if we e.g. choose to scatter the ashes of the deceased in the garden by an apple tree or raspberry bush, says Lomsdalen. Chairman Christian Lomsdalen of the Human-Ethical Association wants changes to the law for ash scattering in nature. Photo: Pavel Storozhuk The chairman of the Human-Ethical Association says today’s rules are left over from as far back as the early 20th century. After a long battle from the Norwegian Cremation Association led by Edvard and Nina Grieg, it was opened for cremation, and later the scattering of ashes. – This has emerged in a battle against a church hegemony in Norwegian history. We are in a situation in the open-minded society where it is necessary to look at this type of regulations with compliance from a time when the church ruled everything, until we now have a very clear diversity of views. Then this is one of the things that we have to look at together with other provisions in the Funeral Act, says Lomsdalen. – Does not need to happen “outside” Toppe will draw attention to the fact that ash scattering is permitted in more places than “at sea and on mountains”. – A circular in 2012 made it clear that ash spreading does not have to take place “outside”, but can take place in fjords and in rivers, waterways and other fresh water in areas with a sufficiently desolate feel. A reservation with a deserted feel, she believes, will avoid conflict with outdoor life. – As cremation normally yields around four liters of ash, it may be appropriate to have a minimum measure of regulation of where the scattering takes place. There is still reason to consider whether the limits set are the right ones. Hoping for quick change Leader of the Kristelig Folkeparti Olaug Bollestad opens up that they will support changes to the Funeral Act. Olaug Bollestad, leader of the Christian People’s Party, opens up to support changes in the rules for ash scattering in nature. Photo: Terje Bendiksby / NTB – We are open to modernizing the law, but it must still involve clear guidelines for what is law. There are good reasons why you have to apply to the State Administrator for ash spreading, but we can be open to an adjustment to the legislation that covers a growing need in a better way, says Bollestad to news.
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Minister for Children and Families Kjersti Toppe is against changing the rules for scattering ashes – news Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio
