Apology for ‘offensive’, ‘homophobic’ cafe sign

CHRISTCHURCH: A Christchurch bar and cafe has apologised after people hit out at its ‘‘offensive’’ and ‘‘homophobic’’ blackboard sign.

Earlier this week, Pierside, in New Brighton Mall, put out a sign that read: ‘‘Vegan Buffet. Just kidding. Now get away from our sign — you pansy.’’

But within hours, Pierside posted an apology on its social media page.

‘‘We would like to publicly apologise for our recent sign on our board outside in regards to vegans. We definitely did not put it out there to cause offence and we are sorry that this has occurred.’’

Many of those who posted comments said the sign was not offensive but merely a lighthearted joke; though others said it was not only offensive to vegans but a homophobic slur.

Vegan Trudi Uttinger said she did not find the sign offensive and people should be able to laugh at themselves.

But Oliver Rabbett said Pierside should also be apologising for the ‘‘queer slur’’ in the term ‘‘pansy’’.

Other people said they would be boycotting Pierside, including Charlotte Drene, who said she appreciated the apology but would not be going to Pierside.

‘‘Not keen to spend money somewhere that finds humour in further marginalising minority groups,’’ she said.

A comment from Evelyn Sparks, attracting at least 30 likes, questioned why the sign was put out in the first place.

‘‘I’m pretty sure you put it out there with the sole purpose of causing offence. Otherwise what was the purpose? Like it wasn’t even funny or clever in any way.’’

But there were also comments hitting back at vegans.

‘‘Vegans are offended by everything anyway. You can usually spot them a mile away even before they complain about having eggs in quiche,’’ Morgan Waaka wrote.

The owner of Pierside Cafe and Bar said the sign was a mistake and not meant to cause any offence. — NZME