London Eye accused of excluding gay couples from royal baby promotion

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The London Eye is offering a free ride to any couple named William and Kate to celebrate the birth of the royal baby, leading to complaints that gay couples have been left out.

The iconic attraction, which bills itself as “the face of modern London”,  does not explicitly state that the promotion is only open to straight couples – which would violate the Equality Act – but provides no alternative for gay and lesbian couples who are unlikely to be called ‘Will and Kate’.

The promotion reads: “The Coca-Cola London Eye is celebrating the arrival of the second royal baby by offering couples that share the same first names as The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge a free rotation on the day the baby is born.

“Couples named William and Kate that come to the London Eye’s Priority Desk on the day of birth can claim free tickets for a rotation on the iconic London landmark, on presentation of photographic ID.”

The terms and conditions state: “This offer is only open to couples called Katherine (Kate, Catherine, Kathryn) and William (Will).

“Offer only valid if guests are visiting together – individual guests called William and Kate do not qualify for this offer.”

A PinkNews reader who spotted the promotion said: “I’m not one who goes around beating a homophobia drum, but it’s a bit ill-thought out.”

PinkNews has approached the London Eye press office for comment.

London Eye spokesperson, Stephanie Francis, said previously: “We are delighted to be able to offer a free rotation to couples who share their names with William and Kate during this exciting time.

“The London Eye is the face of modern London and a key part of its heritage, so what better way to celebrate the new arrival than by giving couples the chance to witness history being made from 135m above the city?'”

Update: The London Eye has now changed its terms and conditions.

The royal baby was born this morning.

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