Landlord faces backlash over discriminatory tenancy ad that bans gays and lesbians
A London landlord is facing backlash after he posted a discriminatory tenancy advert in a shop in East London.
The notice posted in a store window on Greenwich High Street reads that there is a double room available that is “perfect for friendly working/professional single men/women or even student”.
However, the flat does not permit children, DSS (those who receive benefits), benefit seekers or gay/lesbian people.
The discriminatory advert was spotted by Amanda O’Leary, a single lesbian mother who lives in the area.
Talking to PinkNews, O’Leary explained that she was shocked by the post and initially thought it was meant to be a “joke”.
She said: “When I first read it actually laughed and thought it was a joke.
“I thought how can someone post this on a shop window. Is it the dark ages?”
O’Leary decided to post an image of the post on Facebook, where it has since been shared a number of times.
She explained that she wanted “to show people the prejudice that is still alive and kicking in this world.”
“My friends were completely shocked when they saw the post. They didn’t think anybody would do such a thing. They were angry. They wanted this person named and shamed,” she added.
As well as feeling shocked, O’Leary, like many others, was saddened to see that this outright homophobia still existed in the bustling English capital.
“I feel for both my children in the future. Will they be judged for having a gay mum. They have been taught that love is love. End of story.”
PinkNews has contacted the number on the advert for comment.
GSN reported that they spoke to Sharaf Ahmed, the number on the post.
Ahmed is not the landlord of the property but explained that the no gay or lesbian policy came directly from the landlord.
The landlord allegedly said that “it was a mistake” and will take the advert down.
