The Australian ambassador in Iran has been summoned by their government over an Instagram made on Wear it Purple Day, saying it “promoted homosexuality”.
A post on Monday was made on the Australian Embassy in Iran’s official Instagram page, celebrating Australia’s national LGBTQIA+ day on 1 September. The published photo had McConville and his colleagues wearing purple with a caption advocating their support.
“Today, and every day, we’re dedicated to creating a supportive environment, where everyone, especially LGBTQIA+ youth, can feel proud to be themselves,” the post said.
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The MEHR News Agency reported that the director of the Regional Department at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the ambassador that this action was offensive.
“The content published by the Australian embassy is insulting and contrary to Iranian and Islamic tradition, customs and culture,” the Iranian diplomat said.
State-run news agency IRNA said the post “promoted homosexuality” and that the Australian embassy ignored religious beliefs.
McConville said he did not intend to insult Iran and Iranian culture, and said there was no reference to Iran in the post.
Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt told ABC News Breakfast that the government is very proud that “our embassies promote Australian values internationally”.
“I’m very concerned to see an overseas government seemingly take action against an Australian embassy that is upholding Australian values,” he said.
Homosexuality is illegal in Iran and if a person is found guilty of having gay sex, it can be punishable by death.
McConville was appointed as ambassador this year in April, with previous postings in South Korea, Nigeria and the United Nations.
Photo: North of tehran by Amir Pashaei is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has been cropped for size.
