The Christian conservative group
American Family Association (AFA) on Thursday said that it was
calling for a boycott of Target over its transgender policy.
Target this week said that it was
reiterating its beliefs about inclusivity in response to proposed
anti-LGBT bills in several states.
“In our stores, we demonstrate our
commitment to an inclusive experience in many ways,” Target wrote
on its website. “Most relevant for the conversation currently
underway, we welcome transgender team members and guests to use the
restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender
identity.”
“Everyone deserves to feel like they
belong. And you'll always be accepted, respected and welcomed at
Target,” it concluded.
AFA said in a press release that it was
calling for “a boycott of Target after the retail giant said it
would allow men to use the women's restrooms and dressing rooms in
their stores.”
AFA said Target's policy put women and
girls in danger.
“Target's policy is exactly how
sexual predators get access to their victims. And with Target
publicly boasting that men can enter women's bathrooms, where do you
think predators are going to go?” the group wrote.
Supporters of transgender-inclusive
policies such as Target's policy note that they have not led to such
incidents.
(Related: Delaware
Gov. Jack Markell debunks “bathroom predator” myth behind
transgender bills.)