Retailer Faces Swift Backlash for ‘Gay in a Manger’ Sweatshirt
Facing backlash, the European retailer Debenhams has discontinued selling a Christmas-themed sweater bearing an inflammatory, pro-LGBTQ+ message.
The purple sweater features a manger, is adorned with a rainbow, and is emblazoned with the message, “A gay in a manger” — a play on the 1800s hymn, “Away in a Manger.” The controversial shirt was listed on the retailer’s website for £38.99, or about $50. A mug with the same design was also for sale.
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The product in question was produced by the alternative brand Grindstore, a U.K.-based company providing myriad products to British retailers.
Christian Concern, an advocacy organization, condemned Debenhams for selling the sweatshirt, which it called “disgraceful,” urging followers to boycott both companies.
Great work from @realrikkidoolan and @ChristSavesUK on this.
— Christian Concern (@CConcern) November 11, 2024
Will @Debenhams publicly apologise though?
Pastor Rikki said: “It is important for businesses and the British public to see that Christians are not passive and that we will not put up with Jesus being mocked so… https://t.co/nNfbjABceB pic.twitter.com/CqnhLLPJRe
Former U.K. Parliament Member Jacob Rees-Mogg said, “Debenhams would not mock Islam in this way.”
Pastor Rikki Doolan of Spirit Embassy Church in London also criticized the treatment of Christians as opposed to those of other faiths, who are often treated much more respectfully.
In response to the condemnation, Grindstore removed the inflammatory products from its website.
To read the full story, visit our content partners at Faithwire.
Reprinted with permission from faithwire.com. Copyright © 2024 The Christian Broadcasting Network Inc. All rights reserved.
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