Exclusive: Tesco removes ‘have an affair’ birthday card after complaints

A card which makes light of adultery has been pulled from Tesco’s shelves after complaints from shoppers, The Christian Institute can reveal.

The birthday card has the words: “Time for a sports car and an affair” on its front cover.

Last week, Tesco confirmed that it is no longer being sold in stores. A Tesco spokesman told The Christian Institute: “We’ve listened to customer feedback and will have removed this card from our range.”

‘Words are powerful’

The card drew criticism from Twitter users including Lesley Smith, who said: “Disappointed to see messages like this on cards @Tesco. Words are powerful”.

After finding out that the offensive card had been pulled, she told The Christian Institute: “When I saw this card with its message encouraging an act that causes such pain and destruction in families, under the guise of ‘humour’ I just thought no – not funny!

“I wanted Tesco to know that I, for one, was not in agreement and it wasn’t ok – I didn’t want this message to be normalised.”

“I am so pleased that Tesco have agreed to not sell the card although Tesco has not responded to me since their initial acknowledgment of the complaint”, she added.

Gay pride support

Last week, Tesco came under fire for a joint promotion with confectionery brand Skittles to celebrate Pride in London – a gay rights festival.

All-white packets of Skittles are being sold in stores across the UK alongside explanatory text which reads: “During Pride, only one rainbow matters. So we’ve given ours up to show support.”

Skittles says its decision to drop its iconic rainbow branding from packets is intended to show support for Pride in London and “celebrate diversity and inclusion”.

‘Political message’

Colin Hart, Director of The Christian Institute, said people should know that Tesco has gone “out of its way” to back the LGBT agenda.

“Why do any kind of sweets need to be politicised? People should be able to buy their favourite confectionery without being forced to consume a political message as well.”