Debenhams has paused sales of a Christmas jumper and a coffee cup that sported the message “A Gay in a Manger’ following an online campaign led by ‘Christian rights’ group Christian Concern and former Conservative politician Jacob Rees-Mogg, who noted they didn’t have any items that made fun of Islam.
“Debenhams would not mock Islam in this way.” he said.
One caller to radio station LBC said the jumper was blasphemous because it was suggesting that Jesus was gay, saying the jumper was a sign of “evil in the world”.
‘Christian rights’ group Christian Concern called on people to boycott the store, while Debenhams said they were aware of the complaints.
“We are aware that a product line featured on our marketplace has raised some questions. In line with our policies, we are reviewing the products and have temporarily paused them while we investigate.” a spokesperson said.
Grindstore, which sourced the product, also said they had removed the items.
“As a small business we are always open to listening to feedback.
“We have now removed the highlighted products, our apologies… The intention was not to offend or insult anyone,” the business said.
