Attorneys general challenge Target to reaffirm LGBTQ support

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and his New York counterpart Letitia James are part of a group of 15 state attorneys general calling on Target (NYSE:TGT) to reaffirm its support of the LGBTQ community following the controversy of its displays of Pride-related merchandise.

In a letter to the retailer, the attorneys general condemned “politically motivated attacks” on Target and called on the company to work with law enforcement and government agencies to address any threats or harassment of LGBTQ shoppers at its stores.

“Target”™s Pride merchandise was a public show of support for the LGBTQIA+ community during a time of escalating hate and discrimination,” said Tong. “The threats and intimidation surrounding those products were despicable. Attorneys general across the country stand ready to protect the civil rights of Target”™s employees, customers, and the LGBTQIA+ community against this hateful bullying.”

“Target”™s decision to remove certain Pride merchandise in response to hateful backlash is wrong,” said James. “As state legislatures nationwide are attacking the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals, we must be unwavering and unapologetic in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. During Pride month and beyond, I will always fight to ensure that LGBTQ+ New Yorkers ”” and Americans ”” can live and shop as their true selves without fear of harassment and intimidation.”

Photo courtesy of Mike Mozart / Flickr Creative Commons