The parody of the program Esta passant on TV3 is causing a lot to talk about. Different entities and public figures have criticized Catalan television for the sketch starring the Virgen del Rocío in which she joked about the processions, her sexual life and her Andalusian accent.
Given the avalanche of criticism issued towards the program, TV3 has defended this Tuesday that satire is a "symptom of democratic quality". Likewise, sources from the Catalan chain have explained to Europa Press that they have always "made humor about everything and will continue to do so". Television has also added that it does not want to enter into "statements and counter-statements" for the gag.
The Spanish Foundation of Christian Lawyers has filed a complaint in the courts of Sant Feliu de Llobregat (Barcelona) against the two presenters of the program and the actress who played the Virgin for a possible crime of derision. The judge must decide whether or not she admits it for processing. The entity considers that it is an "attack against religious sentiments carried out completely free of charge" and, furthermore, at a very important time for Catholics such as Holy Week."
This Tuesday, the Catalan bishops have also rejected the parody of the Virgen del Rocío on TV3 because it "hurts sensitivity." The Tarragona Episcopal Conference (CET) has shown its rejection because "it hurts the sensitivity of many people and particularly that of all believers who, under this invocation of the Virgin Mary, keep their faith and religious traditions."
The Federation of Andalusian Cultural Entities in Catalonia (Fecac) has done the same, which has asked the Audiovisual Council of Catalonia (CAC) and TV3 "the restitution of the honor of the Virgen del Rocío".
The president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno Bonilla, has also criticized TV3's satire on Twitter, stating that "It is a lack of respect for Andalusia, and thousands of Andalusians and their traditions."
The mayoress of Barcelona, Ada Colau, has also spoken out. The leader of the commons in the colloquium of the informative breakfast of the Forum Europa-Tribuna Catalunya has declared that "just as there is freedom of expression to make humor, there is freedom of expression to criticize the gag as much as it is considered". Colau has also added that "a democratic society cannot question freedom of expression" and that "whoever feels offended or considers that they have to criticize it, can criticize it, but not defend a system of censorship".
