A gay actor who has played Jesus in traditional Spanish Easter
parades for 30 years has been banned for being 'too ostentatious' when
he performed the role last year, reports Dailymail.
The man identified as Ramon Fossati,
from Valencia, says he has been told that he cannot perform in the
parade until 2019 and claims it may be because of his sexuality.
It was gathered that the excuse given him for the ban was because
he exposed a naked shoulder and gave 'false blessings' to the crowd
during his performance last year. He was also accused by the Junta Mayor
de Semana Santa Marinera, which governs the Easter celebrations in the
city, of 'ostentation and parody'.
But Mr Fossati said he was just waving to spectators and explained
that his costume had been based on traditional religious paintings of
Christ.
'I was not given any reason for the ban. It could be jealousy. Or maybe it was punishment for being gay,' he told the Times.
'But everyone where I live knows my sexual orientation and it
is not an issue. I am deeply religious and this is the worst thing that
could happen.'
He said he even had the garment altered so that only one of his
shoulders was exposed, in case authorities thought baring both shoulders
was too risqué. Those taking part in the Easter parade have to adhere
to strict rules to prevent too much flesh being exposed and
inappropriate religious gestures.
Mr Fossati was fined €300 (£237) following the parade last year but
it was reduced to €60 (£47) after he appealed the decision. Women can
also be fined for showing too much cleavage or wearing dresses above the
knee. The custom is to wear black dresses and a traditional headdress
to the parade.
The Junta has not commented on the ban.
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