Target apologizes for contribution to anti-gay politics
Thu. August 5, 2010 3:57 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
Some gay rights groups want further action from Target
Minneapolis, MN -
Target's CEO is apologizing for the company's $150,000 political donation to fund anti-gay politics. Chief Executive Gregg Steinhafel sent a letter to employees saying he was "genuinely sorry."
The Minnesota-based retailer drew fire from LGBT groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, for giving $150,000 to a right-wing political action committee (PAC) known as Minnesota Forward, which in turn bought television ads for Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer, who supports a constitutional marriage amendment.
All three Democrat gubernatorial candidates running against Emmer support legalizing gay marriage.
In todays letter, which comes one week after the controversy began, Steinhafel said the company's intent was to "support economic growth and job creation."
"We remain fully committed to fostering an environment that supports and respects the rights and beliefs of all individuals," wrote Steinhafel.
Gay rights groups, who say it's unwise for Target to back the anti-gay Emmer because of his conservative views on abortion, gay marriage, immigration and the minimum wage, say today's apology isn't enough.
"Sorry doesn't cut it!," the group Boycott Arizona Minnesota (BAM!) wrote on its Facebook page. "No real steps to correct the situation have taken place."
Electronics-giant Best Buy has also been criticized for its $100,000 donation to Minnesota Forward.
The Minnesota-based retailer drew fire from LGBT groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, for giving $150,000 to a right-wing political action committee (PAC) known as Minnesota Forward, which in turn bought television ads for Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer, who supports a constitutional marriage amendment.
All three Democrat gubernatorial candidates running against Emmer support legalizing gay marriage.
In todays letter, which comes one week after the controversy began, Steinhafel said the company's intent was to "support economic growth and job creation."
"We remain fully committed to fostering an environment that supports and respects the rights and beliefs of all individuals," wrote Steinhafel.
Gay rights groups, who say it's unwise for Target to back the anti-gay Emmer because of his conservative views on abortion, gay marriage, immigration and the minimum wage, say today's apology isn't enough.
"Sorry doesn't cut it!," the group Boycott Arizona Minnesota (BAM!) wrote on its Facebook page. "No real steps to correct the situation have taken place."
Electronics-giant Best Buy has also been criticized for its $100,000 donation to Minnesota Forward.