In this article, we discuss how certain sexual norms currently labeled as ‘Norwegian’ come into play in immigration policy related to marriage migrants and homosexuals who seek asylum in Norway. Our analyses indicate that discourses on sexuality in immigration politics are gendered and racialized at the Norwegian border. We discuss the continued significance of Orientalist notions that render its sexual subjects as inherently ‘different’ and supposedly premodern in contemporary regulation of immigration to Norway. Independence, freedom of choice and informed, strategic initiative, usually considered late modern ideals, seem to be grounds for suspecting the motivation for migration. Migration seems to be legitimate only when it is a result of necessity caused by the inherent emotional and sexual needs which signify the authentic homosexual and marriage migrant.

This paper analyses the construction of Norwegian couples' sexuality through the study of a publically financed and organised relationship course called Living Well Together (Godt Samliv). Established in 2005, this relationship course aimed at first-time parent couples is offered free of charge by municipal health centres. Scrutiny of national policy documents and political debate and of the course handbooks presented to couples, makes visible a particular Norwegian discourse on sexuality, which stresses gender equality and neutrality and ideas of inclusive democratization. New parents are advised to make active efforts to maintain a loving, lasting relationship and sexuality, for the sake of the children. The idea of sex implied by this couples relationship policy is based on what might be described as a 'duty of spontaneity', presented as a work both parents should undertake in order to achieve a stable and healthy relationship. We argue, however, that the inclusive rhetoric of diversity that characterises this public form of Norwegian sexuality has its limitations and that certain forms of intimacy and sexuality are excluded from this discourse.

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