EU Parliament criticised for displaying ‘vulgar’ depictions of Jesus and apostles

An art exhibit at the European Union’s Parliament building in Brussels has prompted criticism from politicians in Italy for its display of what they say is a blasphemous depiction of Jesus Christ and the apostles.

The artwork, a series of photographs by Swedish photographer Elisabeth Ohlson, includes one of a man who is meant to represent Christ wearing a white robe and a halo made out of stars above his head. The man is surrounded by seven men who are wearing leather-based fetish clothing.

Ohlson said the photographs are meant to depict Christ supporting homosexual rights.

Some Italian lawmakers took to social media to voice their objections.

“Art?” Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said in a Facebook post. “No, just vulgarity and disrespect.”

Italian MEP, Jorge Buxadé, called the display “disgusting and miserable” in a Tweet.