DAY 429 | Iran’s government gay sex scandal involves man responsible for Islamic values

In Iran, the punishment for homosexuality is death for men and up to 100 lashes for women

An official of Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance was sacked after the release of a video purportedly showing him having same-sex intercourse.

The scandal emerged last week when the Radio Gilan Telegram channel shared a video allegedly showing Reza Saghati engaging in a sexual act with a young man. 

Saghati is the director-general of Culture and Islamic Guidance in northern Gilan province. The video was purportedly recorded within the premises of the General Directorate of Culture and Islamic Guidance.

On July 19, the Gil Khabar news site reported that Saghati was dismissed from his position "due to scandals," without providing further details.

A few days later, the General Directorate of Culture and Islamic Guidance issued a statement stating: "Immediately after the former manager of this department was suspected, the Honorable Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance ordered a thorough investigation with the involvement of security and judicial authorities.”

"In order to facilitate further research and ensure uninterrupted cultural and artistic activities, a new supervisor has been appointed for the General Directorate."

Gay Pride in Tehran, Iran. (This is not a crappy joke.)

While officials had previously been dismissed for having extramarital affairs, Saghati’s dismissal raised eyebrows among many social media users who criticized the hypocrisy of government officials.

Local media reported that the resignation of Seqati, who is married with three daughters, was attributed to “scandals” and that the decision was made under the guidance of the culture minister. 

For his part, ruler Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili denied having prior knowledge of any violation of morality rules by Tsaghati, saying he had “dismissed several ministerial officials for not seriously complying with the implementation of the hijab law”.

In Iran, the punishment for homosexuality is death for men and up to 100 lashes for women. After repeat offenses, women can become subject to the death penalty.

Homosexuality is illegal in Iran, which is considered one of the most repressive places in the world for gay, bisexual and transgender people. Under Iranian law, sodomy is among the crimes that carry the death penalty, along with rape, adultery, blasphemy, armed robbery and murder. 

According to a 2014 report, homosexuals are often forced to undergo sex reassignment surgery to “cure” them of homosexuality.

Earlier this month, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi condemned the Western attitude towards the LGBT community during a visit to Uganda. “The West is trying to promote the idea of ​​homosexuality, and by promoting homosexuality, it is trying to end the generation of people,” he said.

Who is Reza Saghati?

In November 2021, Saghati was elected as director-general of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Gilan province.

Prior to this role, he held several positions within the General Administration of the department, including responsibility for the Khatam-ul-Anbiya artistic complex in Rasht.

He established the religious center of Hosseinieh Honar Rasht in 2012 and became a member of the board of another religious center, Gilan Cultural Front, in 2014.

Saghati has been involved with the founding of a "Chastity and Hijab Workshop" and the launch of a hijab hypermarket.

Last month, he announced the establishment of a neighborhood-based cultural center focused on chastity and hijab. 

Emphasizing the importance of addressing "concerns about hijab and chastity in society," the official stated that the "promotion and support of a chaste environment should be led and managed by the people."

Source: Iran Wire, Staff, July 24, 2023

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