Iran has summoned the Australian ambassador in Tehran over a “disrespectful” photo celebrating an annual LGBTQ+ awareness day posted to the embassy Instagram page, a state-run news agency reported.
The head of the Regional Affairs Office of the Foreign Ministry condemned the Australian embassy’s “offensive” post as disrespectful and contrary to Iranian and Islamic culture and international norms, Islamic Republic News Agency reported.
A photo of Ian McConville, the ambassador to Tehran, and two colleagues wearing purple was posted on Monday commemorating Wear it Purple Day in Australia, to celebrate allyship with the LGBTQ+ community.
The caption read: “Celebrating ‘Wear it Purple Day’ with a splash of purple in every corner, and some delicious cupcakes made with love.
“Today, and every day, we’re dedicated to creating a supportive environment, where everyone, especially LGBTQIA+ youth, can feel proud to be themselves.”
The unnamed foreign ministry official said the post contravened international law and the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations, mandating respect for the host country’s laws and regulations.
Homosexuality is illegal in Iran and punishable by death under the sharia penal code. Under a religious decree issued 30 years ago transgender people are allowed to seek gender transition surgery.
The IRNA report said McConville had responded by saying Australia had no intention of insulting Iran or Iranian culture and the post made no reference to Iran.
As of Wednesday morning the post was still up on Instagram.
The federal workplace relations minister, Murray Watt, told ABC News Breakfast on Wednesday he was “concerned to see this reaction from the Iranian government to the activities of the Australian embassy”.
“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.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been contacted for comment.
More to come.
With reporting from Associated Press
