Iranian Official Promoting Islamic Values Suspended Over Alleged Gay Sex Tape
An official in charge of promoting Islamic values has been suspended from his position in Iran after a tape was circulated apparently showing him having sex with another man.
The authenticity of the tape, which allegedly shows Gilan province’s head of culture and Islamic guidance, Reza Tsaghati, has not been verified.
According to the BBC, Tsaghati is the founder of a cultural centre that has a focus on piety and promoting women’s wearing of the hijab.
The report said Tsaghati has been removed from his post and officials have denied having any prior knowledge of his behaviour.
Same-sex relations are outlawed in Iran, potentially carrying the death penalty, and the LGBTQ community faces discrimination.
Earlier this month, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi launched a condemnation of Western attitudes toward the LGBTQ community during a visit to Uganda. “The West today is trying to promote the idea of homosexuality and by promoting homosexuality they are trying to end the generation of human beings,” Raisi said.
