BUZZ
Heaven is the ‘best gay club this side of the Red Sea’
On Thursday, the LGBTQ Network at the U.K.’s York St. John University put on a “gay nativity story” titled “A Gay in a Manger.”
According to the performance’s description via the York St. John Students’ Union, “a long time ago in a far away land, a magnificent Angel, paid a heavenly visit to Mary and Jo who were … very close friends.”
The angel told Mary and that “close friend” Jo that God had selected the former to give birth to the Messiah.
“Soon afterwards, Queen Herod sent out a royal proclamation, calling for a mandatory party across the land. Mary and Jo packed their pride flags and set off on the long journey to the best gay club this side of the Red Sea – Heaven.
“But when Queen Herod heard of the new King of the Gays, she began to plot for his downfall for only she could be the Queerest Icon in the Land.”
The Telegraph reports a student named Josiah Diamond took issue with the play and wrote a complaint to university officials claiming it “discriminated” against Christians.
A Muslim convert to Christianity, Diamond asked if York St. John would have allowed a play called “A Gay in Mecca” in which Mohammed and his parents were “depicted as homosexuals,” and Jannah (Paradise) was turned into “a gay club.”
“[The play’s] portrayal is not only blasphemous in a direct sense, but of a particular offensive and violating nature to adherents of the faith and openly opposing doctrine,” Diamond said in his letter. “By allowing this performance to go ahead, the university is supportive of groups who chose to openly mock the Bible.
“I am certain that you would not allow Muslims at the university to be so treated. I believe that you are discriminating against Christians.”
The Students’ Union, “handed responsibility for dealing with the issue,” did not address Diamond’s query about Muslims, saying only there was “no differential treatment of religious groups,” and the play’s “’reinterpretation of a religious theme’ was protected under artistic expression.”
Students’ Union Chief Executive Officer Donna Smith said “Gay in a Manger” was “given consideration of its script and context,” and that nothing about it could be construed as “unlawful harassment, discrimination, or hate speech under UK law.”
A joint statement by the Union and the university said “We understand that it can be frustrating for students to face views and perspectives that do not reflect their own values or beliefs […] We are an inclusive university, welcoming students from all faiths and none.”
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