The church believed that Paradise, described as Sweden's first LGBT-friendly altarpiece, could be perceived as transphobic because of its portrayal of the snake in the shape of a trans person. Therefore, the work was removed from the altar room of St. Pauli Church in Malmö in mid-December last year.
The decision generated sharp criticism, not least from the artist himself.
- The Church of Sweden has until today had problems with transgender people, so giving the appearance that they now care about transgender people is a step, a dishonest way to remove the board. They will be ashamed of history, Elisabeth Ohlsson Wallin told the Culture News.
Replaced by new work: "Highly temporary"Paradise has now been replaced by a new work by Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin. A copy of the artist's painting The Communion which was part of the exhibition Ecce Homo will instead be shown, reports Sydsvenskan. It awaits the decision of the church council regarding whether Paradise should be allowed to hang in the church room or not.
- It is printed on fabric and set up with a simple round rod. Highly temporary, this is in anticipation of and about what will replace Paradise, the priest Helena Myrstener tells the newspaper and continues:
- This is to show our continued and tireless commitment to issues related to LGBTQ.