An Instagram post by Australia’s Ambassador to Iran, Ian McConville, has resulted in a formal summons to the foreign ministry office in Tehran. The post featured a photo of McConville and embassy staff in bright clothing to celebrate “Wear it Purple Day,” which is intended to support LGBT inclusion and visibility.
State media reported that authorities felt the post “promoted homosexuality,” which is illegal in Iran, governed as it is by Islamic clerical authorities. There are no protections for LGBT people from discrimination and gay sex can be punished by the death penalty for men, while women face the possibility of 100 lashes.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described homosexuality as part of the “moral depravity” widespread in Western civilisation in a speech he gave in 2022.
“Today, and every day, we’re dedicated to creating a supportive environment, where everyone, especially LGBTQIA+ youth, can feel proud to be themselves.
‘Against Accepted Norms’: Iran
Mehr news agency, a semi-official government publisher headquartered in Tehran, said the director of the Regional Department at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had “strongly condemned the action of the Australian embassy in posting such content that was against the accepted norms.
“The content published by the Australian embassy is insulting and contrary to Iranian and Islamic tradition, customs and culture,” the Iranian diplomat was quoted as saying. He also implied that posting such content was violating international law.
However, the post still remains live on the Australian embassy’s Instagram account.
The Iranian Labour News Agency quoted McConville as saying the post was not meant to be an insult to Iranian people or their values and the Islamic republic was not mentioned in the post.
A response to the rebuke is being considered by the Australian government. Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Murray Watt told ABC News Breakfast that he was concerned about the Iranian government’s reaction and that the embassy in Iran was upholding Australian values.
“The Albanese government’s views and our values are that we support all Australians, regardless of their sexual orientation, their gender, their race, and I am concerned to see this reaction from the Iranian government to the activities of the Australian embassy,” he said.
“We’re very proud about the fact that our embassies promote Australian values internationally and I’m very concerned to see an overseas government seemingly take action against an Australian embassy that is upholding Australian values.”
However, it was too early to say whether there would be a formal response from Australia.
