![]() ![]() “In this context, we urge Target to be mindful of its obligations under these laws as it makes decisions as to how to respond to backlash against its Pride merchandise. “While these laws certainly do not create a legal obligation for retailers to offer any particular merchandise or create any particular displays, they do demand that customers be treated equally,” the letter said. Individuals can also be fined up to $5,000. The Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, like many state civil rights acts, gives the attorney general the authority to sue any individual who interferes with a person’s constitutional rights through threats, intimidation, or coercion. ![]() are my pronouns” and tearing down rainbow decorations. Outside of the business world, some Massachusetts towns have also seen disruptions to local Pride Month celebrations one event at a Burlington middle school was interrupted by students chanting “U.S.A. The Globe reported last week that employees at roughly a dozen Starbucks stores in Central Massachusetts were told they could decorate their stores for one day - provided a parade or another community celebration was taking place if it was approved by the regional director. While there have not been any reported incidents of anti-LGBTQ attacks at Targets in Massachusetts, other retail giants, including Starbucks, have seen their Pride festivities similarly curtailed. “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.” “It sends a message that those who engage in hateful and disruptive conduct can cause even large corporations to succumb to their bullying, and that they have the power to determine when LGBTQIA+ consumers will feel comfortable in Target stores - or anywhere in society,” the letter said. Target declined to specify which items it had removed, but “tuck friendly” women’s swimsuits, which allow trans women who have not had gender-affirming surgery to conceal their genitals, were among the articles that drew the most attention.Ĭampbell and other attorneys general said they “commend Target’s intention to keep its staff members and customers safe,” but expressed concern about what message the retail giant’s decision could send to the LGBTQ community - and to the perpetrators of hate crimes. “Our focus now is on moving forward with our continuing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and standing with them as we celebrate Pride Month and throughout the year.” “Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior,” the statement said. In a statement, Target said that “since introducing this year’s collection, we’ve experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and well-being while at work.” Target also confirmed that it moved Pride merchandise from the front of the stores to the back in some Southern locations after confrontations from shoppers in the region. Last month, Target announced it was removing certain items that have made the store the subject of numerous attacks when people have knocked over Pride displays, harassed employees, and posted threatening videos on social media from inside the stores, according to the Associated Press. is already under intense attack nationwide.” “We fear your choice to pull Pride merchandise demonstrates that intentional violence and intimidation can set back the march for social progress and LGBTQIA+ equality, which. “Pride merchandise like Target’s helps LGBTQIA+ people see that they enjoy considerable support and that loud and intimidating fringe voices and bullies do not represent the views of society at large,” the letter said. in the face of intimidation and discrimination.” In an open letter to Target CEO Brian Cornell, Campbell, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and a group of more than a dozen attorneys generalon Friday urged the retail giant to “double down on inclusivity. ![]()
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