The Mall of America in Minnesota was the center of controversy this past weekend when a man wearing a “Jesus Saves” T-shirt was asked to remove the clothing or leave the mall. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, and many people are outraged by the mall’s treatment of the man.
The video shows a security guard telling the man: “If you want to shop here, you need to take off that shirt.” The guard also says that “Jesus is associated with religion and it is offending people. People have been offended.” The guard then threatens to kick the man out of the mall if he does not remove the shirt.
The mall’s spokesman said that the man was allowed to stay while wearing the shirt, despite the guard’s threats. The shirt in question had the phrase “Jesus is the only way” on the back, along with the “coexist” symbol crossed out.
The mall’s policies prohibit “inappropriate attire’ and forbid ‘picketing, demonstrating, soliciting, protesting or petitioning.” The man was previously issued a 24-hour trespass for “soliciting guests.” The mall is claiming that the man was engaging in “religious soliciting,” but the man insists throughout the video that he was not attempting to preach but was simply wearing the shirt while shopping.
Many people online have reacted with outrage to the video. Twitter user John Mason captioned the video, “I automatically assumed this was overseas, but it’s right here in America.” Other users have expressed solidarity with the man and have vowed to wear shirts with religious messages if they visit the mall. Pastor Chase Thompson wrote, “He should sue them into oblivion.”
You may notice the difference between the security guard and the man wearing the shirt. Where are all the civil rights activists? So much for equity.
I automatically assumed this was overseas, but it’s right here in America. pic.twitter.com/Q79eUCG7xh
— John Mason (@LivingGodsTruth) January 12, 2023
