Tehran: Iran’s Foreign Ministry has summoned the Australian ambassador to Tehran, Ian McConville, over a social media post made by the Australian Embassy supporting LGBT rights, which Tehran described as “offensive” and contrary to Iranian cultural and religious norms.
The post, shared on the Australian Embassy’s Instagram account on September 1, expressed support for the LGBTQIA+ community, stating: “Today and every day, we’re dedicated to creating a supportive environment, where everyone, especially LGBTQIA+ youth, can feel proud to be themselves.”
In response, the Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation, accusing the embassy of disseminating content that is “inappropriate” and “contrary to Iranian and Islamic norms, customs, and culture.” The ministry argued that the post violated international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which obliges diplomatic missions to respect the laws of their host country.
Despite Tehran’s demand for the post to be removed, the Australian Embassy has not complied. Ambassador McConville assured Iranian officials that the post was not intended to insult the Iranian people or their values, emphasizing that it did not specifically mention Iran. He promised to relay Tehran’s concerns to the Australian government.
Meanwhile, Australian Labor Minister Murray Watt defended the embassy’s actions, stating, he’s proud of the embassy’s attempt to “promote Australian values internationally,” and expressed concern over Iran’s response to the post, which he sees as an attack on the promotion of Australian values abroad.
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