Target CEO Firm on Implementing Transgender Bathroom Policy Despite 1.2 M Boycotters
American discount retailer Target is not backing down on a decision that they made in April.
According to Huffington Post, Target CEO Brian Cornell dismissed threats of customers boycotting their stores after they implemented a transgender-friendly bathroom policy. Target announced last month that transgender shoppers and employees are free to choose whichever bathroom they can go to so as long it allows them to correspond with their gender identity.
However, not everyone was happy with the new policy including the American Family Association (AFA). This lead the pro-family organization to start a boycott pledge against Target, saying that they will no longer patronize the store unless they reverse their decision regarding the new bathroom policy.
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The AFA expressed their concern about the risk or danger that the new policy may bring such as predator and voyeurs with malicious intentions taking advantage of the policy to potentially harm women and children.
The association was able to get more than 1.2 million signatures from different people. But despite the large number, Target has not been moved with the protest and will continue one with their stance.
As said by Cornell in CNBC's Squawk Box, they will continue to embrace their belief of diversity and inclusion. This is to show that this social issue is very important to their company and will not promote any kind of discrimination.
NJ.com detailed that Target is taking a stand on transgender right following the passing of North Carolina's bathroom law. Apparently, the bill that allows transgender people to use the bathroom of their choice is a hot topic right now especially since it has passed the Senate already.
Cornell also addressed the issue about safety, wherein he said that they will make sure that they will deliver a welcoming setting for everyone who steps in the store by making it safe and comfortable. They have also established already in majority of their stores a family bathroom. Advocate noted that ever since Target maintained their stand, other national chains like Starbucks, Barnes and Nobles and Saks followed.
