An Instagram post by Australia’s Ambassador to Iran, Ian McConville, has resulted in a formal summons to the foreign ministry office in Tehran. The post featured a photo of McConville and embassy staff in bright clothing to celebrate “Wear it Purple Day,” which is intended to support LGBT inclusion and visibility.
State media reported that authorities felt the post “promoted homosexuality,” which is illegal in Iran, governed as it is by Islamic clerical authorities. There are no protections for LGBT people from discrimination and gay sex can be punished by the death penalty for men, while women face the possibility of 100 lashes.
