Homosexuality is illegal in Iran, but transgender people are allowed to seek gender transition surgery.
Iran has summoned the Australian ambassador in Tehran over a “disrespectful” photo from a celebration to mark Australia’s LGBTQ+ national day, posted on the embassy’s social media accounts.
The photo, showing Ambassador Ian McConville and his colleagues wearing colourful outfits and holding cupcakes, was posted together with a caption saying, “Today, and every day, we’re dedicated to creating a supportive environment, where everyone, especially LGBTQIA+ youth, can feel proud to be themselves.”
An Iranian foreign ministry official condemned the publication of photos on social media, calling it “insulting and contrary to Iranian and Islamic culture, as well as international norms,” according to the state-run IRNA news agency.
The unnamed Iranian official claimed that the post contravened international law and the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, stating that the two demand respect for the host country’s laws and regulations.
In response, McConville said that his country had not insulted Iran or Iranian culture, adding there was no reference to Iran in the post on Instagram.
The embassy’s post is still present on its social media accounts.
Homosexuality is illegal in Iran, but under a religious decree issued 30 years ago, transgender people are allowed to seek gender transition surgery.
Australia’s federal workplace relations minister, Murray Watt, told the domestic media 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.”
