York St John’s University has been accused of discriminating against Christians by allowing the performance of a gay-themed nativity play.
In the play Jesus is described as the approaching “King of the Gays”, while his parents are a lesbian couple called Mary and Jo. The play, called “A Gay in a Manger”, is the work of the university LGBTQ network.
A preview of the play states, “Mary and Jo packed their pride flags and set off on the long journey to the perfect gay club this side of the Red Sea – Heaven. But when Queen Herod heard of the brand new King of the Gays, she began to plot for his downfall for less than she might be the Queerest Icon within the Land.”
Christians on campus have described the play as not only blasphemous and offensive, but discriminatory, on the grounds that no such play can be allowed if it mocked the beliefs of Muslims.
Josiah Diamond, 21, a student and former Muslim, told The Telegraph, “This portrayal is just not only blasphemous in a direct sense, but of a selected offensive and violating nature to adherents of the religion and openly opposing doctrine.”
He added, “There can’t be a distinction between religious groups and between the rights and privileges of differing religious groups. We are amazed that York St John supports such an approach. I’m certain that you just wouldn’t allow Muslims on the university to be so treated. I think that you just are discriminating against Christians.”
The university and the coed union have said that no motion can be taken to stop the performance, arguing that it was a matter of artistic expression.
“We understand that it will possibly be frustrating for college kids to face views and perspectives that don’t reflect their very own values or beliefs. However, freedom of speech throughout the law is a core principle of university activity. Following an intensive review, we’ve found no evidence that this event is illegal or contravenes our legal duties,” they said.
“The law rightly prohibits speech that incites violence, terrorism and hate, but doesn’t prohibit speech that others may find upsetting or offensive. We are an inclusive university, welcoming students from all faiths and none. It is just not our role to censor or stifle lawful expression when there may be disagreement with the views being expressed.”
Donna Smith, CEO of the coed union, refused to invest on the “hypothetical scenario” of an identical play mocking Islamic beliefs and stated that “There isn’t any differential treatment of spiritual groups.”
