It's become apparent that the hugely popular US department store Target, isn't such a welcoming destination for gay shoppers after all. The discount retail store has it's headquartered in Minnesota, which is home to some pretty homophobic politicians, among them Tom Emmer. Now, it's come to light that Target, it would seem, has apparently donated almost $150,000 to his campaign.
Tom Emmer, is a known supporter of a Christian rock band in Minnesota that travels around the state saying that it's moral and righteous for religious people to kill gays and lesbians! A pleasant then, he is not! Target it would appear gave the money to a group called Minnesota Forward which in turn is directly linked to supporting Tom Emmer, and therefore, it's aligned to a rather hateful philosophy that thinks gays and lesbians should be murdered - and it seems one of America's leading stores - Target is pretty is cool with this?
Change.org is calling on you to send a message to Target asking them to 'explain why their money is being used to fund a politics that not only serves to prevent LGBT equality, but breeds homophobia, transphobia and hatred'
Tom Emmer has previously made it crystal clear where he stands on the gay issues - "I believe marriage is the union between one man and one woman," he spouts on his website "As a legislator, I have consistently supported the constitutional marriage amendment that protects traditional marriage."
And yes, as Change.org points out, Emmer's stand against gay equality is pretty much like many American politicians, it's his support and affiliation with the Christian right rock band, You Can Run But You Cannot Hide, that should be the main cause for worry here.
You Can Run But You Cannot Hide is fronted by Bradlee Dean one of Emmer's buddies and the group has appeared at many Minnesota GOP functions, conventions and political soirées. Dean is clear on his view of gays, recently saying - "Muslims are calling for the executions of homosexuals in America. This just shows you they themselves are upholding the laws that are even in the Bible of the Judeo-Christian God, but they seem to be more moral than even the American Christians do, because these people are livid about enforcing their laws. They know homosexuality is an abomination," But wait, there is more, oh yes, he's previously said "[Homosexuals] play the victim when they are, in fact, the predator. On average, they molest 117 people before they’re found out. How many kids have been destroyed, how many adults have been destroyed because of crimes against nature?" And Emmer calls these 'Nice People'
One can't help wondering why Target isn't taking better care of where it's money is going, apparently they've previously had good record on gay rights, having a number of gay friendly policies, including domestic partner benefits, and even in uncertain financial times, remains a popular store with the LGBT community.
But do they deserve the cash of hard working gay folk when they give money to political candidates who are working just as hard to keep us second class citizens?
Change.org is calling for you to send Target a message now, urging them to explain this donation, and to adamantly condemn the type of fear based politics that folks like Tom Emmer and You Can Run But You Cannot Hide profit off of. Tell Target they should take more care of where their money goes !
For more, visit Change.org.
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