Iran’s foreign ministry said it had summoned the Australian ambassador on Tuesday to “strongly condemn” a social media message posted by the embassy supporting LGBTQ rights.
The embassy used an Instagram post on Sunday marking “Wear it Purple Day”, an annual LGBTQ event in Australia, to call for a “brighter, more inclusive future”.
“Today and every day, we’re dedicated to creating a supportive environment, where everyone, especially LGBTQIA+ youth, can feel proud to be themselves,” the Australian mission wrote.
But Iran’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday: “Following the publication of offensive content contrary to Iranian and Muslim customs and culture, the Australian ambassador has been summoned to Tehran.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the action of the Australian embassy in publishing this content.”
Same-sex relationships have been a crime in Iran since the Islamic Republic was established in 1979, and in some circumstances the law allows for the death penalty.
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