Iran summons Australian envoy over LGBTQ+ celebration in Tehran embassy

Tehran on Tuesday summoned the Australian ambassador in Iran over the publication of photos from a celebration in the embassy to mark Australia's LGBTQ national day on 1 September, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.

The foreign ministry summoned the Australian ambassador to Tehran, Ian McConville, and condemned the publication of photos on social media, calling it insulting and contrary to Iranian and Islamic culture, as well as international norms, the report said.

A foreign ministry statement said: "In response to the publication of an offensive post on social media by the Australian embassy in Tehran, Mr Ian McConville, the ambassador of this country, was summoned today, 3 September, by the head of the regional office to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

It said the unnamed official had strongly condemned the embassy for publishing "norm-breaking content" and had said the post was insulting and contrary to Iranian and Islamic customs and culture, must be appropriately compensated for, and a promise made to avoid a repeat. 

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.

On Monday, the embassy published a photo of McConville and his colleagues wearing colourful outfits and saying: "Today, and every day, we're dedicated to creating a supportive environment, where everyone, especially LGBTQIA+ youth, can feel proud to be themselves."

Homosexuality is illegal in Iran and can be punishable by execution under the penal code. However, under a religious decree issued 30 years ago, transgender people are allowed to seek gender transition surgery.