Gay Jesus Movie On Netflix Strikes Controversy

‘Tis the season for controversy. “The First Temptation of Christ” — a Netflix Christmas comedy special that portrays a gay Jesus and a weed-spoking Mary — has sparked backlash. A petition has circulated demanding the special be pulled from the streamer on the grounds that it is offensive to Christians.

“The First Temptation of Christ” was created by Brazilian YouTube comedy group Porta dos Fundos. The 46-minute satirical special tracks Jesus coming home to his surprise birthday party with Orlando, his openly flamboyant friend. Despite Jesus’ attempts to conceal his friend, Orlando joins the party later and sings a quirky holiday bop that includes the lyrics: “In the heat of the desert I saw the size of his huge power.”

More than 1.8 million people have signed the petition that calls for the special to be prohibited and pulled from Netflix, and for Porta dos Fundos to apologize. Viewers have accused Porta dos Fundos of showing religious discrimination and “derision and disrespect for the faith of the Catholic Church and especially for God.”