Iran has summoned the Australian ambassador after a photo was published at the Australian embassy in Tehran on the occasion of the national LGBT+ day.
A photo taken at the Australian Embassy in Tehran on the occasion of the “Wear it Purple Day”the country’s national LGBT+ day, sparked a diplomatic crisis between Iran and Australia.
Australian Ambassador in purple outfit for “Wear it Purple Day”
This photo, posted on Instagram, shows the Australian ambassador and his colleagues, wearing purple outfits, and showing their support for the LGBT+ community.
“Today and every day, we are committed to creating a supportive environment where everyone, especially LGBTQIA+ youth, can feel proud to be themselves,” says the caption of the Australian Embassy post.
Tehran calls photo “insulting”
Considering this photo as “insulting and contrary to Iranian and Islamic culture, as well as international standards,” Iran’s foreign ministry has summoned the Australian ambassador to Tehran.
According to Iranian authorities, the photo violates international law and the Vienna Convention requiring respect for the laws and regulations of the host country.
Canberra reaffirms Australian values
The Australian ambassador retorted that his country had not insulted Iran or Iranian culture, reiterating that his message did not contain any reference to Iran.
Australian Federal Minister for Industrial Relations Murray Watt said: “concerned to see this reaction of the Iranian government to the activities of the Australian embassy”and reaffirmed support for Ian McConville:“We are very proud of the fact that our embassies promote Australian values internationally. And I am very concerned to see a foreign government taking action against an Australian embassy that upholds Australian values.”
In Iran, homosexuality is illegal and is an offense punishable by punishment ranging from flogging to the death penalty.