Target has announced that they will allow transgender customers to use the bathroom corresponding to the gender with which they identify.
According to Charisma News, Target felt the need to make their official stance clear because the issue has been in the national news spotlight recently.
Because of this and the questions the retailer had received, Target spokeswoman Molly Snyder stated, “we felt it was important to state our position."
Target’s decision comes after North Carolina passed a bill stating that people must use the bathroom corresponding to their biological gender.
Although passed to protect women and children from possible sexual predators, he new law has received a substantial amount of pushback. Companies such as PayPal and Deutsche Bank decided to boycott the state over the law, and performers Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr cancelled concerts in the state to show their opposition.
Though North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory amended the law to allow private establishments to set their own rules, Target, which has 49 stores in North Carolina, believes making their stance clear is important:
"In our stores, we demonstrate our commitment to an inclusive experience in many ways," Target said in a statement on its website. "Most relevant for the conversations currently under way, we welcome transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity."
Publication date: April 21, 2016
