Religious fundamentalists claim Primark fire in Belfast was because of the Pride collection
The fire destroyed the store which was based in a 233-year-old building in the Northern Ireland city
By Steve Brown
Fundamentalists have claimed the fire which destroyed the Primark store in Belfast was because they were selling a Pride collection.
The store was destroyed after a fire ravaged through the flagship shop destroying the 233-year-old building on Tuesday (August 28) and came just weeks after it was criticised for installing a LGBT-inclusive window display ahead of Belfast Pride.
Although no cause of fire has been identified as of yet, many have claimed that it was an act of God following the Pride controversy.
One Twitter user wrote: “The Almighty God has showed his wrath on Primark store in Belfast which was found ablaze this morning for supporting Gay Pride.
“Be not deceived, God is not mocked. FOR GOD AND ULSTER.”
— Macers (@Macers2000) August 28, 2018
Another said: “Primark Belfast up in flames.
“Galatians 6:& comes to mind… ‘Be not deceived: God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
A third said: “Reminds me of our Trinitarian God who burnt not just a shop, but a whole city to a crisp.
“@Primark supported wickedness via it’s shop window a few weeks ago in Belfast. [sic]”
— My Camel 🐪 (@MikeTJimmy) August 28, 2018
The Northern Ireland Humanists have since called out the comments and have urged people to call out “this homophobic rhetoric”.
They said: “We have already noticed comments like, ‘You reap what you sow’ in responses to the Primark Belfast building having an extremely destructive fire today.
“This is because Primark had created a rainbow window presentation in support of Pride Belfast this year.
Always one! pic.twitter.com/WDNlXt8sR4
— 🌈♂PriMary♀🌈 (@sea_skunk) August 28, 2018
“We know this is not the feelings of most Christians, but we would ask you, religious or not, to call out this homophobic rhetoric where you find it.
“We hope this employed by Primark are being helped while out of work. And we also hope the building will be rebuilt as it is one of Belfast’s most beautiful.”