Two courts have launched preliminary proceedings against a Seville bakery for displaying an “erotic nativity scene” that featured Baby Jesus in the shape of the male member.

The Spanish Foundation of Christian Lawyers and the right-wing political party Vox filed complaints against the La Vergueria waffle shop in the city of Seville over the risque confectionary display that included various people from the traditional nativity scene represented by sexual organs.

In an order on 2nd December, the Court of Instruction No. 15 determined that “the facts… present characteristics that indicate the possible existence of a criminal offense… for an alleged crime against religious sentiments”.

The Christian Lawyers Foundation called the display of risque pastries “an offence to religious feelings” as the “Nativity scene shows Jesus, Mary and Joseph represented by genitalia”.

The group also said that it upsets Christians because “the scene of the Bethlehem is ridiculed”, adding that the products display “an offensive spirit to religious feelings” with the “intention to hurt” devotees.

The Vox political party, which also filed a complaint about the “Erotic Bethlehem”, has reported that the Court of Instruction No.20 has issued an order to open preliminary proceedings against the shop owners as well.

Polonia Castellanos, president of the Spanish Foundation of Christian Lawyers, said the nativity scene, featuring sweet treats in the shape of male and female genitalia, is “offensive and humiliating” and is “visible to everyone, including young children”.

The two complainants hope the legal proceedings will make the shop owners take down the “offensive” nativity scene.

The preliminary court action continues.