Students spark controversial Christmas debate with LGBTQ nativity play

Students at York St John University have sparked debate online after sharing news of their LGBTQ+ nativity play.

A nativity play is an annual tradition which retells the birth of Jesus, featuring characters like Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds, and the three wise men, using simple songs and scripted action to celebrate the Christmas story in a fun and memorable way.

According to the university's LGBTQ+ Network, 'A Gay in a Manger' is a 'gay nativity story' with the full description reading: "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… to inform them that God had chosen Mary to give birth to a heavenly host, the son of God, 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 students had a new take on the Christmas story (Getty Stock Images)

A Christian student, 21, wrote to the university to complain, as per a letter seen by the Telegraph.

He said: "This portrayal is not only blasphemous in a direct sense, but of a particularly offensive and violating nature to adherents of the faith and openly opposing doctrine.

"By allowing this performance to go ahead, the university is supportive of groups who choose to openly mock the Bible."

He added: "There cannot 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 am certain that you would not allow Muslims at the university to be so treated. I believe that you are discriminating against Christians."

Student union chief Donna Smith assured that the university was 'committed to being an inclusive environment that respects and supports people of all faiths and none'.

"The planned performance has been given consideration of its script and context," she told the Telegraph, speaking of the production which is set to go ahead tonight (18 December) for £2.50 a ticket.

(Facebook/York St John Lgbtq+ Society)

"I have found no evidence that the event constitutes unlawful harassment, discrimination, or hate speech under UK law.

"I believe there will be no use of threatening, abusive words or behaviour intended to stir up religious hatred. I believe this to be a reinterpretation of a religious theme which is protected under artistic expression."

One X user penned: "What are they thinking? It's an insult to Christians & the Church."

The official Disciples of Christ account declared: "The Disciples of Christ are calling on the Christian society at the University to protest the event and get it shut down. Time for Christians to grow a spine."

Others, however, disagreed.

"Unless I'm weirdly insecure, this doesn't affect my faith in the slightest and it doesn't offend me," wrote a fourth, while a final X user added: "Those who dislike it are free not to attend. It's just a silly student play, why do so many things need to be turned into such debacles?"

Tyla has reached out to the York St John's student union for further comment.