Conservative movement in Brazil challenges art shows

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In this Sept. 27, 2017 photo, transgender actress Renata Carvalho plays the role of Jesus in the play "The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven" in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
BRAZIL---Brazil is famous for its beaches, bikinis, and parties. But an increasing conservative movement is challenging the idea of Brazil as a country that has relaxed ideas about everything. Recently, conservatives have strongly criticized several modern art shows and a play in which Jesus is presented as a man dressed as a woman. The latest cultural clashes could help shape next year’s election. Conservative groups have protested against two art exhibits. One, at the Sao Paulo’s Museum of Modern Art, is called “La Bete.” Visitors to the show, including a child, were invited to touch a nude man. [More]
FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2014 file photo, retired Pentecostal Bishop Marcelo Crivella campaigns for the governorship of Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil's Copacabana. Amid reports that a play with a transgender Jesus might go to Rio de Janeiro's Museum