Thousands Pledge To Boycott Target Over Bathroom Policy
(CBS) -- More than 800,000 people have signed a pledge to boycott target over its bathroom policy.
A conservative Christian group upset over the retail giant's bathroom policy regarding transgendered people. CBS 2's Audrina Bigos has the fallout.
Target is taking a clear stance, welcoming transgender customers to use the restrooms or fitting room that corresponds with their gender identity. Target shoppers are divided on the issue.
"I don't feel like they should get discriminated against if they feel comfortable as long are aren't harming nobody," said Santino Gill.
"I actually prefer to keep women's bathroom, women's and men's men, just for safety reasons," said Cantrice Wyms.
Target's stance has prompted a nationwide boycott started by the American Family Association. So far, it has more than 800,000 signatures, and growing.
"They can be inclusive, they can put a separate bathroom that's for anyone to walk in," said Ralph Rivera, Illinois Family Institute lobbyist.
The institute argues Target's policy encourages sexual predators and puts women and young girls in potential danger.
"What about their daughter, their granddaughter, their mother, their wife in the restroom and a man comes in?" Rivera said. "We wouldn't want that in any other situation."
Myles Brady is part of the Chicago Restroom Access Project. He also works at Howard Brown Health, one of Chicago's facilities with a gender neutral restroom.
"If your gender identity doesn't match up with what's on that door, it can make it a very uncomfortable situation," said Myles Brady.
Brady is working to create a more welcoming environment for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in public restrooms, supporting Target's stance.
"I see that they hear me, they see me and they're making sure people like me are welcome in their establishment," Brady said.
Target sent us a statement saying inclusivity is a core belief at Target. It's something the company celebrates.