Gay actor banned from playing Jesus at Spanish parade

A gay actor who has played the role of Jesus in traditional Spanish Easter parades has been banned from the position by authorities for being “too ostentatious” during his performance last year.

Ramón Fossati, from Valencia, was told his ban would last until 2019. He believes he may have been targeted due to his sexual orientation.

“I was not given any reason for the ban. It could be jealousy. Or maybe it was punishment for being gay,” Fossati told The Times of London.

“But,” the actor continued, “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.”

The Junta Mayor de Semana Santa Marinera, which is responsible for the organization that runs the parades, said the actor was guilty of “ostentation and parody,” The Times reported.

Ramon was told that his ostentatious actions consisted of exposing a naked shoulder and giving “false blessings” to a crowd in his performance last year.

Fossati explained to The Times that his costume was based on Jesus’s appearance in traditional paintings and that his hand gestures were nothing more than waving to the crowd. The actor exposed only one shoulder, he added, out of fears that having both shoulders would be too risqué for the parade’s organizers.

Fossati was fined $334 (€300) after last year’s parade, but after appealing the decision, he managed to get the fine reduced to $67 (€60).

There are strict guidelines for those participating in the Spanish Easter parades. Women can face fines for exposing too much cleavage or anywhere above the knee.