BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) — Several state lawmakers threatened to cut state funding of Florida Atlantic University programs because its theater department is staging a play featuring a gay Christ character.

Corpus Christi, which opened Wednesday at FAU, chronicles a Christlike character named Joshua who is growing up gay in modern-day Texas. The story parallels parts of the Gospels.

A kiss between Joshua and a character named Judas is similar to the kiss the biblical Judas used to identify Jesus to the Romans.

"For anyone who's a Christian, it's very offensive," said state Sen. Debby Sanderson, whose district includes Florida Atlantic.

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School officials said they would allow the play to finish this weekend's run.

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