STOCKHOLM - Just after 2 this afternoon, a man dressed as Spiderman climbed down the face of Stockholm city's large public theatre building, Kulturhuset, carrying a banner reading Fathers For Justice ("Fäder för rättvisa") that he hoped to fasten to the facade. It was a father performing an act that has become familiar in other parts of the world; demonstrating against injustice in family law.

This particular type of demonstration was made popular by Fathers 4 Justice, a fathers' rights group in England. Over the past few years, Fathers 4 Justice activists have appeared as Spiderman, Batman, and other characters, including Santa Claus at Christmas time. They have staged events on the London Bridge as well as in the House of Parliament while Tony Blair was speaking. (article)

Sweden's family laws are about as fair and balanced as imaginable. Within the past few years, presumptive joint custody laws have been strengthened and child support law modified to better account for participation of both parents in the lives of their children. (related articles: 1 2) Sweden allows up to a year of supported absence from work for parents of newborn children. Even that law encourages both parents to take some of that time rather than one.

But strong lobbying by feminist groups that tend to portray men as a danger to women and children is pushing the government back the other way. (related article) A government committee recently recommended adjustments to joint custody law that fathers' rights groups insist would give mothers the power to decide custody arrangements themselves.

Kulturhuset towers over a large public square that gets a great deal of public traffic. Climbing down its face must have attracted a great deal of attention. Television and newspapers are already starting to cover the event.

Local police seemed perhaps half aware of the purpose of the event. Watch commander Kristin Sylten told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that it seemed to be about a custody dispute, just like in England.

The man was arrested on suspicion of trespassing.

Roger F. Gay