Target Paints Bullseye with Anti-Gay Contributions

Retail giant Target has upset the LGBTQ community with it’s $150,000 contribution to a political group supporting Minnesota’s anti-gay gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer. “Target gave $150,000 to Minnesota Forward, which bought TV ads for Tom Emmer, who says ‘I believe marriage is the union between one man and one woman,’” reports Matt Baume for sfist.com.

The contribution from the historically gay-friendly chain came as a surprise for queer allies. Target has supported gay pride parades in the past and even offers domestic partnership benefits to its gay employees. Target’s CEO Gregg Steinhafel reasserted the company’s stance to the Associated Press claiming “Target's support of the GLBT community is unwavering, and inclusiveness remains a core value of our company,” but the statement was deflated when Target spokeswoman Lena Michaud stated that when it comes to contributions, Target gives "based strictly on issues that affect our retail and business objectives."

The decision has sparked boycotts and even picketing at some stores. Advocate.com’s David Moretti reported that one mom, Randi Reitan, is taking a stand. “What’s important in life is people,” says Reitan. “I love the people in my life. I love them more than any thing that I can buy at this store. I am going to boycott Target until they make this right.”

So far Target continues to defend the contribution.