Couples stage a mass ‘kissathon’ protest with rainbow flags and Diana Ross tunes at Sainsbury’s after gay couple were thrown out for holding hands
Around 200 people danced outside the east London store before filling the isles to begin the mass kiss-in
SCORES of people staged a “kissathon” protest at a Sainsbury’s Local after a gay couple were thrown out for holding hands.
Thomas Rees, 32, and boyfriend Joshua Bradwell, 25, were spoken to by security when a customer said they were acting “inappropriately.”
Around 200 people danced outside the store in Hackney, east London, with rainbow flags.
Crowds of gay men and women then entered the store on Saturday evening and started a countdown to the kiss-in.
Mr Rees and Mr Bradwell thanked the supporters before joining in.
Mr Bradwell said: “The number that turned out was absolutely insane.”
Despite more than one member of the public shouting at the group to "get off my street", the protesters continued, dancing to Diana Ross and Donna Summer tunes.
When asked what he hoped the protest would achieve Mr Rees said: "Lots of hand holding, hugs, public kisses. Show your love."
Sainsbury's laid on cookies and water for the crowd with a spokesperson for the store saying: "It's been a really great event and an important opportunity for the community to show their support.
"We do our best to make sure everyone feels welcome in our stores but occasionally we make mistakes.
“We’re working hard to ensure lessons are learnt.”