A conservative watchdog group is calling for the boycott of a popular retail chain this holiday season, in response to the chain's statement regarding the transgender bathrooms.
Target released a statement in April, 2016 that read, in part:
"We welcome transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity."
But a conservative group, 2nd Vote, posted a video online ahead of Black Friday claiming Target is putting "politics over common sense and safety."
“We don’t want to pay for Target’s liberal agenda. That’s why this Christmas we’re shopping anywhere but Target," Lance Wray, Executive Director of 2nd Vote, stated in the video.
“It’s a shame. I do like Target but because of moral ground, I won't be shopping there," said Anthony, who did want to identify his last name.
He is one of the many heeding the call to boycott Target from Black Friday through the end of this year.
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But not everyone was on board with the idea.
“It's been a very good tool to gain rights. And I think it’s a little ironic now boycotting is being used to take away rights of a store being so accepting and progressive,” said Josh Sohmer.
“I applaud Target for doing that," shopper Teresa Torreblanca told NBC 7.
The watchdog group is using the #AnywhereButTarget on Twitter to rally support of the boycott.
But the hashtag is garnering the attention of a mix of Twitter users.
Some are using it to share their support of the retailer, others stating they will participate in the boycott because of the retailer's stance on transgender friendly bathrooms.
"I don’t think it's a safety issue at all. I think if someone wants to go in and do harm to someone in a bathroom it doesn’t matter what gender they are or how they’re dressed,” Torreblanco said.
