Sainbury’s treats Gay couple “like criminals” for holding hands

A gay couple were pulled aside in a Hackney Sainsbury’s after a customer complained about them holding hands.

Thomas Rees and his boyfriend Joshua Bradwell were allegedly approached by the security guard at Sainsbury’s informing them that a person had complained because they were: “touching inappropriately”.

Rees told BuzzFeed News: “My boyfriend and I became aware we were being watched. We were holding hands, arms around each other’s waists, basically showing public displays of affection.

“As we came to pay for our shopping I noticed a security guard watching us. Once we had paid, he then approached us and asked us to follow him outside.”

The couple said they were treated as though they had  stolen something and added: “We were made to feel like criminals”.

This incident left the pair  shocked. Rees told the BBC: “It’s really knocked me for six and I’ve spent the last day or so analysing how I’m perceived.

He posted his experience on Twitter and received an apology online as well as being offered a £10 voucher as compensation.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We are an inclusive retailer and employer and do not tolerate discrimination in our stores.

“We will take appropriate action once we’ve concluded our investigation with our security contractor.”

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