The BBC will broadcast an Easter programme saying the way Britain treats gay people is like the crucifixion of Jesus.
Critics say the BBC has sunk “to a new low” by using the crucifixion to push a gay rights message.
The programme will be broadcast on Radio 4 as part of a series of lectures in the run up to Easter.
Activist
The lecture will be given by Benjamin Cohen – a gay rights activist and former Channel 4 News reporter.
He founded the gay news website, pinknews.co.uk, and has been campaigning for marriage to be redefined.
Mr Cohen will say that the words of Jesus on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”, echo his own experience of rejection as a gay man.
Liberal
But the Christian Institute has hit out at the BBC.
A spokesman said: “This is typical of the BBC’s socially liberal bias which tries to distort the Christian message at every turn.
“Using the crucifixion to push a gay rights agenda is a new low, even for the BBC. It’s yet another slap in the face to every Christian who pays the licence fee.”