A Brazilian judge has issued a ruling demanding Netflix to discontinue the screening of a controversial film that depicts Jesus as a gay character.
The decision, made by Rio de Janeiro judge Benedicto Abicair on Wednesday, January 8, mandates Netflix to withdraw the Christmas special, a portrayal that sparked outrage and was branded as blasphemous for its depiction of Jesus as a gay man, leading to a violent attack on the producers of the program.
Judge Benedicto Abicair responded to a petition filed by a Brazilian Catholic organization, arguing that the broadcast of “The First Temptation of Christ” had offended the “dignity of millions of Catholics.”
The special was created by the Rio-based film company Porta dos Fundos, whose headquarters was targeted during the Christmas Eve assault.
Netflix indicated to The Associated Press that it would refrain from providing any comments regarding the ruling.
Porta dos Fundos also chose not to make any statements about the judge’s decision, which contradicted a prior ruling that dismissed any censorship of the program. The ruling remains effective until overturned by a higher court.