Target transgender policy: Protests escalate

By David Roach - Posted at Baptist Press:

NASHVILLE (BP) -- With nearly three-quarters of a million people signing on to boycott Target over the retailer's transgender restroom policy, evangelical leaders are discussing whether consumer boycotts are an effective means of cultural engagement.

Many conservative evangelicals apparently disagree with Target's policy of allowing customers to use whichever restroom or fitting room corresponds to their perceived "gender identity." Yet some -- like the American Family Association and the watchdog group Faith Driven Consumer -- have urged a boycott while others -- including Southern Baptist Convention entity heads R. Albert Mohler Jr. and Russell Moore -- have discussed the limitations of boycotts and asked whether one is appropriate in this instance.

The discussion stems from an April 19 news release from Target stating, "We welcome transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity."

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