Brasilia, Jan. 12, 2020: The Supreme Court in Brazil has overturned a temporary broadcasting ban on controversial Netflix comedy The First Temptation of Christ.
Launched on the streaming service in December and created by Brazilian comedy troupe Porta dos Fundos, it depicts Jesus as a gay man.
It prompted a huge backlash among Christian viewers, with more than 2 million people signing a petition to have the show yanked from Netflix.
Previously, Judge Benedicto Abicair ordered the program to be removed from the airwaves while the merits of a lawsuit, brought by Catholic association the Don Bosco Center for Faith and Culture, were assessed.
Porta dos Fundos have staunchly defended the show, saying they ‘value artistic freedom and humor through satire on the most diverse cultural themes of our society and believe that freedom of expression is an essential construction for a democratic country’.
The special follows Jesus as he brings home a ‘special friend’ to visit his parents and meet the other disciples.
The official synopsis reads: ‘Jesus, who’s hitting the big 3-0, brings a surprise guest to meet the family. A Christmas special so wrong, it must be from comedians Porta dos Fundos.’
However, shortly after its launch on the streaming service, the production company’s Rio de Janeiro office was pelted with Molotov cocktails, although no one was injured.
The satire was dubbed ‘highly offensive’ by conservative members of Brazil’s government and the Brazilian Catholic Church, while subscribers threatened to boycott Netflix.
Officials at the streaming service said they have not yet received the legal order to suspend the show’s broadcast. When it does arrive, only then can the ruling be appealed.
Source: extra.ie