Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

June 2016 – On April 21, AFA called for a boycott of Target stores after the retail giant publicized its policy to allow transgender individuals access to opposite-sex bathrooms and fitting rooms.

On its website, Target stated, “[We] welcome transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity. … Everyone deserves to feel like they belong.”

“Target’s policy poses a threat to women and children,” said AFA president Tim Wildmon. “We think many customers will agree.”

AFA pointed to the very real danger posed by predators and voyeurs who would take advantage of the policy to prey on those who are vulnerable.

“We want to make it very clear that AFA does not believe the transgender community poses this danger to the wider public,” Wildmon said. “Rather, this misguided and reckless policy provides a possible gateway for predators who are out there.”

AFA also criticized the policy for ignoring customers who are simply uncomfortable with the presence of strangers of the opposite sex in such a personal setting.

At press time, more than one million people had signed the boycott pledge in its first eight days. Find more information at afa.net.