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Facebook Banned a Famous Picture of Jesus … for Nudity?

Facebook Banned a Famous Picture of Jesus … for Nudity?

A Belgian tourist board has posted an open letter to Facebook after they say the site took down several images of famous paintings, saying they violated the site’s policy that prohibits nudity.

The paintings are from 17th-century artist Peter Paul Rubens, whose works show biblical scenes and cherubs and do, at times, show semi-nude figures.

While promoting the upcoming “Paintings by Flemish Masters” art exhibit, the board posted images of several of the famous paintings, including the masterpiece, “The Descent from the Cross.” In the painting, Jesus is seen wearing loin cloth, being taken down from the cross after the crucifixion.

The board responded with a satirical video (which shows Facebook “FBI agents” escorting museum goers away from “offensive” paintings), and a letter to Mark  Zuckerberg, that read, “Even though we secretly have to laugh about it, your cultural censorship is making life difficult for us.”

Facebook officials have reportedly offered to meet with members of the board to discuss the policy.

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