Christian Activist Group Calls for Boycott of Target Stores Over Trans Inclusivity
AFA to Boycott Target Over Transgender-Inclusive Restroom Policy
The American Family Association is calling for a boycott of discount retail chain Target after the company announced it will support its transgender customers and employees by allowing them to use restrooms consistent with their gender identity.
“Corporate America must stop bullying people who disagree with the radical left agenda to remake society into their progressive image,” said AFA President Tim Wildmon. “Target’s harmful policy poses a danger to women and children. We think many customers will agree.” The Southern Poverty Law Center has identified the AFA as an anti-LGBT hate group.Â
Join us: 160,000+ individuals have pledged to boycott @Target. https://t.co/oi1MZs9y7d #BoycottTarget #TARGET pic.twitter.com/9727bwxBV6
— American Family Assc (@AmericanFamAssc) April 22, 2016
On Tuesday, Target announced their support for transgender bathroom equality saying in a statement, “We welcome transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity.â€
Suggesting that Target’s decision constitutes a critical threat to public safety, Wildmon claimed that the move would allow “a possible gateway for predators who are out there.†This widely debunked reasoning is often cited as the rationale for such anti-trans “bathroom bills” as HB2, recently signed into law by North Carolina governor Pat McCrory.
Wildmon proposed segregation as a possible solution for accommodating Target’s trans customers. “Target should keep separate facilities for men and women,” he said, “but for the transgender community and for those who simply like using the bathroom alone, a single-occupancy, unisex option could be provided.”
Refitting the restroom facilities in each of Target’s 1793 stores would likely impose an immense financial burden on the popular chain, but Wildmon did appear to have considered the cost of such a project. “If Target is truly committed to a solid policy that’s good for business—for everyone—and if they’re truly committed to the transgender community, the company will spend the money for a unisex compromise. Anything else smacks of an agenda-driven publicity stunt that stands in complete disregard for people who reject the policy.”
The costs of restricting trans bathroom rights are becoming clear in the state of North Carolina. Several prominent entertainers, among them Pearl Jam, Boston, Ringo Starr, and Bruce Springsteen, have canceled planned appearances in the state in protest of HB2. Economic growth has also been challenged in the weeks since the bill’s passing, with PayPal and Deutsche Bank canceling expansions that would have added hundreds of jobs to the state.
The American Family Association retweeted these tweets supporting their boycott:
Â
Â
Image via American Family Association/Twitter
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.