Tesco has apologised after a checkout worker told shocked customers that 'gay people shouldn't have babies'.
Natalie Rivans and her girlfriend Helen Embleton were queuing up to pay for their shopping at Tesco Extra in Surrey Quays on Saturday January 3, when a cashier made the comment after serving a pregnant woman and her lesbian partner in front of them.
The cashier allegedly said homosexuality was 'wrong', 'gay people shouldn't have children' and 'all gay people should die alone'.
When Natalie challenged the cashier about her comments, she says she was told: "It's a free country, so I can say what I like."
The couple, who live in Deptford, then complained to the store manager.
"I am really disgusted," Natalie, 30, told the Evening Standard. "We were absolutely mortified. Tesco need to change their policy and procedures."
"I'm just shocked it's 2015 and people in London are thinking in this manner.
"I've been out and gay for a long time however my partner has not been out for so long. This has really upset and stressed her out."
Helen, 30, added: "I have not been out for long so have not experienced homophobia. It is just not acceptable in this day and age."
A Tesco spokeswoman said it had apologised to the couple and the cashier had since faced a disciplinary hearing.
She said: "Following inappropriate comments in store by one of our colleagues we have apologised to the customers involved and an internal investigation is now underway.
"We work hard to make sure that everyone is welcome at Tesco and put great emphasis on celebrating diversity and ensuring that we are an inclusive place to work and shop.
"Any remarks or actions from our colleagues which are not in line with these beliefs are not acceptable and will not be tolerated."
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