Target Corp. loses case against gay rights protesters in California
”The verdict in the Target v Canvass for a Cause case is in!!! Within an hour we will know … if the judge upholds fundamental American values by ruling in support of free speech rights. We are heading to the court house to pick it up, we will keep you posted as the developments unfold.”
”Target was denied a restraining order against Canvass for a Cause, citing there was NO evidence volunteers were threatening or harassing! This is a win, not just for the LGBT community but for anyone who cherishes fundamental American values like free speech and participation in the democratic process.”
A post made on the Canvass for a Cause Facebook page. The nonprofit group describes its mission as working on progressive “projects ranging from marriage equality, DADT, to cannabis law reform.” (Canvass for a Cause)
Retailer Target Corp. had gone to court to have that group banned from protesting on store property. The corporation’s California attorney claimed that a number of customers had complained about protesters, yet none of these alleged customers appeared as witnesses at the hearing. (San Diego Union Tribune)
Last year, Target Corp. donated $150,000 worth of cash and consulting to a business group in Minnesota. That group directly supported a Republican gubernatorial candidate, Tom Emmer, who was seen by many as being an opponent of gay rights. Many individuals protested in Minnesota and across the nation, some calling for a boycott. Emmer eventually lost his bid to become Minnesota’s governor.
Target heads recently said they would implement an advisory board to oversee future political donations. Commentators say these corporate political donations were enabled by the US Supreme Court‘s controversial, split-decision in Citizens United, the landmark case that found corporations have the same political donation rights as individual people.
Just weeks ago, pop singer Lady Gaga ended a distribution deal with Target over the company’s apparent inability to stop making gay-unfriendly political donations. Target had been considered a strong ally of the gay community until last year when its donation to Emmer became public.
Target is also listed as the top donor for the 2010 campaign of Rep. Michelle Bachman (R-Minn.), who regularly campaigns against gay rights and marriage.
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