Attorneys General From 14 States Ask Target to Keep Pride Merch on Shelves
More than a dozen state attorneys general penned an open letter last week calling on Target stores to keep Pride merchandise on display, asking the retail chain to stand against rising homophobia and transphobia across the United States.
The letter, delivered to Target CEO Brian Cornell on June 16, was signed by Democratic attorneys general from 14 states and the District of Columbia. The signers urged Cornell to reverse policies implemented last month, when Target stores across the country removed merchandise with queer and trans-positive messaging from displays in response to threats and violence from right-wing extremists.
“We commend, of course, Target’s intention to keep its staff members and customers safe,” the attorneys general wrote, but emphasized that capitulation was not the answer. “As we see it, Target has been the victim of potentially criminal acts, in response to which we encourage you to reach out to responsible authorities. We stand ready to help address anti-LGBTQIA+ threats and harassment in Target stores.”
Although the AGs said they understood Cornell’s response — which the executive defended in late May, saying his decision to remove merchandise was “gut-wrenching” — the letter went on to explain why giving in to extreme right-wing demands won’t solve the problem, especially given rampant legislative attacks on trans rights over the past year.
“While we understand the basis for this action, we are also concerned it sends a message that those who engage in hateful and disruptive conduct can cause even large corporations to succumb to their bullying,” the AGs wrote, “and that they have the power to determine when LGBTQIA+ consumers will feel comfortable in Target stores — or anywhere in society.”
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Massachusetts AG Andrea Joy Campbell, who co-led the drafting of the letter with Minnesota AG Keith Ellison, said “standing firm” against anti-LGBTQ+ hatred is essential in a separate statement released last week. “We can never allow violence and intimidation to set back the march for social progress and LGBTQ+ equality,” Campbell said, “but Target’s decision to pull pride products from the shelves sends the message that they can.” Connecticut AG William Tong called the threats of violence ““despicable,” while New York AG Letitia James asserted that LGBTQ+ people should be able to “live and shop as their true selves” without fear.
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Although the open letter led with a carrot, it also came with a small, prodding stick. While retailers aren’t obligated to carry rainbow fanny packs or trans flag mugs, the letter concludes, federal non-discrimination law still requires “that customers be treated equally,” and the AGs “urge Target to be mindful of its obligations under these laws.”
Still, the letter’s focus was on working with Target management to keep people safe and discourage hateful behavior. “If Target again finds itself facing anti-LGBTQIA+ harassment — whether of customers or employees — store management or the corporate office are encouraged to reach out to our offices,” the letter concluded. “We are ready, willing, and able to work with you in the spirit of progress, inclusivity, and equality.”
So hey, Brian, the rainbow-colored ball’s in your court! Target now officially has government support in standing up to the backlash against LGBTQ+ people’s existence. The question now is whether the company will prioritize equality or ultimately cave in the face of bigotry.
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