An Iranian official in charge of promoting Islamic values has been suspended from his position in the wake of a circulating video allegedly showing him engaging in gay sex, reports said. The authenticity of the video, purportedly featuring Reza Tsaghati, who is the head of culture and Islamic guidance in Gilan province, has not been officially confirmed.

As per reports, Tsaghati is known for establishing a cultural center that promotes piety and advocates for women’s adherence to wearing the hijab.

Tsaghati has been removed from his post and officials have denied having any prior knowledge of his behaviour.

Same-sex relations are prohibited in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with penalties including the death penalty, for those involved.

Recently, during a visit to Uganda, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi strongly criticized Western attitudes toward the LGBTQ community. He accused the West of attempting to propagate homosexuality to disrupt human procreation.

Last year, Iran witnessed massive protests against Islamic laws which had erupted after the custodial death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. The morality police had arrested Amini for not wearing the hijab. Huge protests erupted aftermath with Iranian women publicly burning their headscarves, and cutting off their hair in order to show their solidarity with the victim.