Gay Jesus actor is banned from Easter parade for being 'too ostentatious' when he performed the role last year 

  • Ramon Fossati, from Valencia, says he cannot perform in parade until 2019
  • Authorities said he exposed naked shoulder and gave 'false blessings'
  • Actor claimed he was waving to crowd and said his costume had been based on traditional religious paintings of Christ
  • There are strict rules to prevent too much flesh being exposed in parade

By Emily Chan For Mailonline

Published: 10:02 EST, 26 March 2016 | Updated: 12:47 EST, 26 March 2016

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.

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. 

Authorities told him it was because he exposed a naked shoulder and gave 'false blessings' to the crowd during his performance last year.

Ramon Fossati, who has played Jesus in traditional Spanish Easter parades for 30 years, says has been banned for being 'too ostentatious' when he performed the role last year (file photo)

Ramon Fossati, 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 (file photo)

The Junta Mayor de Semana Santa Marinera, which governs the Easter celebrations in the city, accused the actor 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.  

Authorities told him it was because he exposed a naked shoulder and gave 'false blessings' to the crowd (file photo)

Authorities told him it was because he exposed a naked shoulder and gave 'false blessings' to the crowd (file photo)

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