There were rumours of an LGBT parade being organized in time for the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 , which was hosted by Azerbaijan . This caused disagreement in the society due to homophobic views , but it did gain support from Azerbaijani human rights activists . The contests presence in Azerbaijan also caused diplomatic tensions with neighbouring Iran . Iranian clerics Ayatollah Mohammad Mojtahed Shabestari and Ayatollah Ja ' far Sobhani condemned Azerbaijan for " anti-Islamic behaviour " , claiming that Azerbaijan was going to host a gay parade . This led to protests in front of the Iranian embassy in Baku , where protesters carried slogans mocking the Iranian leaders . Ali Hasanov , head of the public and political issues department in the Azerbaijani President 's administration , said that gay parade claims were untrue , and warned Iran not to meddle in Azerbaijan 's internal affairs . In response , Iran recalled its ambassador from Baku , while Azerbaijan demanded a formal apology from Iran for its statements in connection with Baku 's hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest , and later also recalled its ambassador from Tehran
Eurovision Song Contest 2012
Eurovision Song Contest 2012
LGBT rights in Azerbaijan