Swedish Law Maker Blames Trip On Drag Personality

Swedish parliament member Fredrick Federley blamed his drag persona when he was asked to explain why he'd taken an all expenses-paid trip to Gran Canaria.

Federley was asked to visit the Spanish Island with his boyfriend and write about the trip for Hanky.se, a Swedish LGBT website.

According to the Associated Press, parliament has a policy of refusing offers from the airline industry, but the trip to Gran Canaria was sponsored by several companies including Norwegian Airlines. When asked why he'd accepted the trip, Federley blamed it on Ursula, his drag alter ego.

"It wasn't me as a parliamentarian doing this but I was traveling more as a drag personality," Federley said. "The Swedish people are wise enough to see that they are two totally different things: When you're on official duty or when you're at a party as a hired entertainer."

Swedish laws permit Federley and other members of parliament to have other jobs as long as they disclose their activities and income.

Federley said he made about US$2,000 last year from lectures and appearances as Ursula.