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. 

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.”

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:

 

 

Image via American Family Association/Twitter