Target may face legal consequences for its ‘Pride’ displays.

Attorneys General Warn Target of Legal Issues Over “Pride” Displays

Attorneys general in several Republican-led states have issued a warning to Target, stating that their “pride” displays and LGBT items in stores could potentially create legal problems for the retail giant. They argue that these displays may violate child-protection laws in certain jurisdictions.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, along with six other attorneys general, expressed concern that Target’s “June Pride” collection could be harmful to minors and could lead to boycotts that would negatively impact shareholders. They also raised concerns about potential violations of state child protection and parental rights laws.

“As Attorneys General committed to enforcing our States’ child-protection and parental-rights laws and our States’ economic interests as Target shareholders, we are concerned by recent events involving the company’s ‘Pride’ campaign,” the officials wrote in a letter to Target CEO Brian Cornell. “Our concerns entail the company’s promotion and sale of potentially harmful products to minors, related potential interference with parental authority in matters of sex and gender identity, and possible violation of fiduciary duties by the company’s directors and officers.”

The letter did not specify the actions the attorneys general might take in their respective states. It was signed by Mr. Rokita and attorneys general from Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and South Carolina.

Backlash and Share Price Drop

Target faced significant backlash earlier this year when it unveiled its “pride month” collection. Conservative influencers on social media highlighted certain products, leading to public outcry. Target later removed some items from its collection, including LGBT-themed books, baby clothes, and toys.

One controversial item that drew attention was a swimsuit intended for biological males who identify as transgender women. Target clarified that the item was only intended for adults, not children.

As a result of the controversy, Target’s shares dropped from around $160 on May 16 to $130 by May 31.

Concerns Over Target’s Leadership

In their letter, Mr. Rokita and the attorneys general suggested that Target’s actions may have put its shareholders at risk and accused the company’s leadership of acting negligently.

“Losses of this magnitude—caused by isolating Target’s core customers—raise concerns that Target’s board and management may have acted negligently,” the letter stated. “Further evidence suggests Target’s leadership may have acted on collateral interests. Directors and officers must act solely in the best interest of the company.”

Target CEO Brian Cornell previously defended the LGBT-friendly merchandise, stating that selling them at Target is “the right thing for society.”

New Controversy: Book Censorship

This week, Target faced criticism again when Fox News host Mark Levin claimed that the company refused to sell his book critical of Democrats and President Joe Biden’s administration. The book, titled “The Democrat Party Hates America,” is set to be released on September 19.

Target issued a statement denying Levin’s claim, stating that it appears to be premature.