"Gay in a Manger": York University has staged an LGBT-themed Nativity play

York University has found itself at the center of a major scandal caused by an LGBT student production called A Gay in a Manger. The play, which portrays Jesus as the coming «Gay King» and his parents as «lesbian couple Mary and Joe,» has sparked a wave of outrage and accusations of sacrilege from Christian students.

According to Christian Today, the production’s plot recounts the main characters’ journey to «the best gay club this side of the Red Sea — Heaven.» According to the script, Queen Herod, upon learning of the arrival of the new «Gay King,» plots against him because she believes she is the only «major queer icon in the country.»

Representatives of the university’s Christian community sharply condemned the play, calling it blasphemous and discriminatory. They also pointed to a double standard in the university’s policies. Former Muslim, 21-year-old Josiah Diamond, told The Telegraph, «I’m sure a similar play mocking Islam would not have been allowed.»

Despite the accusations, the University of York administration and student union refused to ban the play. Their decision was motivated by the principle of freedom of creativity and expression. «We can not censor opinions, even if they cause dissent,» — emphasized the representatives of the higher educational institution, defending the right of students to artistic expression.

Recall, earlier we reported that a new report by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) revealed a disturbing trend: hate crimes against Christians in Europe are often downplayed or completely ignored. The paper, presented at the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, emphasizes that Christians face a wide range of harassment, from vandalism and graffiti to violent attacks and even murder, leading many communities to increase security measures.