Iran Challenges Australian Ambassador Over LGBT Social Media Post
Australia’s Ambassador and embassy staff donned colorful attire to show support for Wear it Purple Day, sparking backlash from Iran’s Foreign Ministry.
An Instagram post by Ian McConville, Australia’s Ambassador to Iran, resulted in a formal summons to the foreign ministry office in Tehran. The post featured a photo of McConville and embassy staff in vibrant clothing to commemorate Wear it Purple Day, which aims to advocate for LGBTQ inclusion and visibility.
Authorities in Iran viewed the post as promoting homosexuality – a crime in the country governed by Islamic clerics. LGBT individuals lack protections from discrimination, and gay sex for men can lead to the death penalty, while women may face 100 lashes as punishment.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei labeled homosexuality as part of the moral decline prevalent in Western civilization during a 2022 speech.
“Today, and every day, we’re dedicated to creating a supportive environment, where everyone, especially LGBTQIA+ youth, can feel proud to be themselves.
“Let’s keep championing diversity and inclusion for a brighter, more inclusive future.”
‘Against Accepted Norms’: Iran
Mehr news agency, a semi-official government publisher headquartered in Tehran, stated that the Australian embassy’s action was strongly condemned by the director of the Regional Department at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as going against accepted norms.
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“The content shared by the Australian embassy was deemed insulting and in opposition to Iranian and Islamic traditions, customs, and culture,” the Iranian diplomat condemned. He also hinted at this action violating international law.
Despite this, the post remains active on the Australian embassy’s Instagram.
The Iranian Labour News Agency reported that McConville clarified the post was not intended to disrespect Iranian people or their values, with no mention of the Islamic republic in the content.
The Australian government is contemplating a response to the censure. Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Murray Watt expressed concern over Iran’s reaction and noted the embassy in Iran is upholding Australian values.
“The Albanese government’s stance and our values align with supporting all Australians, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or race, and I am troubled by the Iranian government’s response to the Australian embassy’s activities,” he explained.
“We take pride in our embassies promoting Australian values globally, and I find it troubling to witness a foreign government seemingly taking action against an Australian embassy that upholds Australian values.”
However, it is too early to determine if there will be a formal response from Australia.
