Couples stage kiss-in in London supermarket

Couples show solidarity with a gay couple after a guard told them a woman had complained about their behaviour in a Sainsbury's supermarket in Hackney, East London

A mass LGBT kissathon was staged yesterday at a supermarket in Hackney, East London after a gay couple were told by a security guard that a woman had complained about their behaviour which involved holding hands and showing public displays of affection.

Thomas Rees and his boyfriend Joshua Bradwell were subject to the comments at a Sainsbury’s supermarket in the capital. They were subsequently offered a £10 voucher as a gesture of goodwill by the supermarket chain which led to the incident going viral on social media.

“The more we hold hands, kiss, and show affection in public the more healthy we will be as a society. People are only shocked because they have never seen two men together before. That’s how shock happens, it comes from fear,” said Rees.

A mass kiss-in was arranged for yesterday which saw many LGBT couples attend to show their support for the couple.

A spokesperson from Sainsbury’s said ahead of the protest: “We have apologised to Thomas and Josh for their unfair treatment earlier in the week and we understand why people want to come together to highlight this issue. We hope Saturday’s event provides an opportunity for the community to show their support at what we hope will be an enjoyable event.”

Watch a video of the event below.