Crucifixion at the Gay Parade Causes Controversy with Religious

06/10/2015 - 09h05

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PEDRO CRAVEIRO

FROM "AGORA"

The simulation of a crucifixion with one transsexual playing the role of Christ during the Gay Parade in Sao Paulo, on Sunday (7), caused controversy with religious and in social networks.

The Archbishop of São Paulo, d. Odilo Scherer, issued a note about the episode. "I understand the sufferer feels like Jesus on the cross, but we must take care not to trivialize or use religious symbols in an irreverent way, in respect to people's religious sensibilities. If we want respect, we must respect, "he said.

In the early hours of this Monday (8), federal congressman and pastor Marco Feliciano (PSC) posted messages on a social network website criticizing the demonstration.

He accused the organisers of the parade of mocking the Christian faith and said that by being contrary to this type of act, he does not exercise prejudice or intolerance, but only freedom of expression and religion.

President of the Commission of Constitutional Law of OAB-SP, Marcelo de Oliveira Fausto Figueiredo did not see crime in the act. "It was a strong demonstration, but in my point of view was within the freedom of expression."

Actress Viviany Beleboni, 26, who played the crucifixion, said she was terrified by the threats she later received, but has no regrets. "They say absurd things: that I must die; be crucified for real, get cancer. I woke up early with an anonymous phone call, saying that I was going to die."

She regrets having been criticized by the LGBT community. "They think that gays are going to be more repressed, the prejudice will increase."

Translated by JULIANA CALDERARI

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