King of Norway’s amazing speech in defence of LGBT inclusivity

The Norwegian monarch has delivered an impassioned speech in support of a diverse and inclusive nation, including LGBT equality.

Addressing a crowd outside the the Royal Palace in Oslo, King Harald V urged his compatriots to embrace all who called Norway home, whether they are gay or lesbian, refugees from other nations or follow different religions.

“Home is where the heart is. That cannot always be placed within country borders,” the 79-year-old said.

“Norwegians come from the north of the country, from the middle, from the south and all the other regions. Norwegians are also immigrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Poland, Sweden, Somalia and Syria.

“Norwegians are girls who love girls. Boys who love boys. And boys and girls who love each other. Norwegians believe in God, Allah, everything and nothing,” King Harald continued.

“In other words, Norway is you. Norway is us,” he said. “My biggest hope for Norway is that we will manage to take care of each other, that we can build this country further on trust, solidarity, and generosity.”

Harald’s role as Norway’s king is a largely ceremonial and symbolic one.

Norway is very liberal when it comes to LGBT rights, having enacted anti-discrimination, same-sex marriage and gay adoption legislation, as well as allowing legal gender change based on self-determination.

However, as in many parts of Europe, there has been a rise in right-wing sentiment in response to an influx of of refugees.

Watch the speech below.