NY AG criticizes Target for removing LGBT merchandise.

Target’s decision to remove LGBTQ-themed merchandise from stores following customer backlash is receiving criticism from New York attorney general Letitia James. In a tweet on Tuesday, James expressed her disapproval and called on the retailer to reverse its decision.

According to James’s tweet, at least 14 New York officials have signed a letter regarding Target’s decision.

“@Target’s decision to pull some of its pride merchandise because of backlash from anti-LGBTQ+ customers is wrong.

Hatred and bigotry can’t win: New York elected officials and I are urging @Target to reverse its decision and stand up for #LGTBQ+ rights.”

— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) June 14, 2023

“Hatred and bigotry can’t win,” James said in the tweet. “New York elected officials and I are urging Target to reverse its decision and stand up for #LGBTQ+ rights.”

Target recently announced that it was making adjustments to its LGBTQ-themed products associated with Pride Month. The company cited increased confrontations between shoppers and employees, as well as incidents of products being thrown on the floor.

The company has faced backlash and a conservative boycott, resulting in a loss of nearly $15 billion in market value. The boycott was in response to Target’s LGBT Pride collection, which included products for children and merchandise from a designer who identifies as a Satanist.

Target has not yet responded to a Reuters request for comment.

(Reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D’Silva and Pooja Desai)