Retail chain Debenhams has eliminated a controversial “Homosexual in a Manger” Christmas sweater following backlash from Christian teams in the UK. The retailer pulled the merchandise, produced by different clothes model Grindstore, after spiritual leaders and advocacy teams denounced it as disrespectful and known as for a boycott.
The purple sweater, adorned with an LGBT rainbow, was priced at £38.99 ($50.37) and out there on Debenhams’ on-line market. It additionally featured a “Homosexual in a Manger” slogan that critics noticed as a mockery of Christianity.
Grindstore’s product was listed on the Debenhams web site by way of vendor Pertemba World, and the corporate has since additionally eliminated different Christian-themed merchandise, together with “Ah-men” greeting playing cards and a “Unhealthy Faith” T-shirt depicting Jesus on a motorbike, the Every day Mail reported.
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The advocacy group Christian Concern had opposed the product, encouraging a boycott of Grindstore.
Andrea Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, said that the merchandise was offensive to Christians and declared, “The corporate producing these merchandise must be boycotted.”
The group additionally took to social media platform X, calling for accountability. “Disgraceful that @Debenhams have been promoting this product. A full public apology should comply with.”
Pastor Rikki Doolan of the Spirit Embassy church in London was additionally amongst those that voiced their criticism, demanding equality in therapy throughout faiths.
On X, Doolan wrote, “The primary subject at hand right here is, if you will mock individuals’s religion then why do you solely do it to Christianity? What’s it that makes you’re feeling it’s alright to do it to us? Until you might have homosexual Muhammad and Buddha T-shirts that we don’t know of?”
Later, celebrating Grindstore’s elimination of the merchandise, Doolan posted, “RESULT! @grindstore have eliminated all of their Jesus associated merchandise from their retailer. Nicely achieved saints, we’re extra unified than ever earlier than.”
Debenhams responded to the uproar by acknowledging the considerations raised.
“We’re conscious {that a} product line featured on our market has raised some questions,” the corporate mentioned in an announcement. “In keeping with our insurance policies, we’re reviewing the merchandise and have quickly paused them whereas we examine.”
Grindstore, the Norfolk-based firm answerable for creating the sweater, additionally launched an announcement. “As a small enterprise we’re at all times open to listening to suggestions,” the corporate mentioned. “We’ve now eliminated the highlighted merchandise, our apologies … the intention was to not offend or insult anybody.”
Public figures have additionally commented on the problem.
Former Conservative Member of Parliament Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg criticized Debenhams, stating, “Debenhams wouldn’t mock Islam on this method.”
Debenhams, which was purchased by Boohoo in 2021 following its closure of bodily shops, now operates as an online-only retailer.
In 2017, bakery chain Greggs issued an apology for utilizing a sausage roll to switch Jesus in a nativity scene commercial, which additionally sparked backlash from Christian teams.
The contentious merchandise have been additionally out there on different main on-line retail platforms resembling Amazon. It was not clear if Amazon had taken any motion in relation to the gadgets.
