In August 2023, shareholder Brian Craig sued the Target Corporation, saying the company pushed the gay and transgender lifestyle with in-store promotions, even knowing this could cause consumer backlash, resulting in lowered sales and, therefore, lower shareholder profits. In November of the same year, Target requested that the lawsuit be dismissed.
But on December 4, 2024, U.S. District Judge John Badalamenti of the Middle District of Florida denied Target Corporation’s motion to dismiss the shareholder derivative lawsuit Craig v. Target Corporation, filed by America First Legal (AFL).
According to AFL, it filed a lawsuit against Target and its board of directors for misleading investors about the market risks of key corporate initiatives – their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) mandates. The lawsuit alleges that through the corporation’s infamous 2023 “Pride” campaign, Target embraced a radical transgender agenda focused on children and families, leading to billions in losses.
In May 2023, AFA reported that Target sold Pride merchandise, such as female-style swimsuits that could be used to "tuck" male genitalia; products labeled "Thoughtfully fit on multiple body types and gender expressions"; a "Gender Fluid" mug; and a variety of adult clothing with slogans like "Super Queer." Other Pride items included party supplies, home décor, books, and a "Grow At Your Own Pace" saucer planter. In December 2023, Target’s shelves offered LGBTQ Christmas products such as “gay” Santas and Pride nutcracker figures.
The lawsuit contends that consumer backlash from the company’s offensive products resulted in Target's loss of $25B in potential market value, thus severely hurting shareholder earnings.
As many of you know, AFA launched the Target boycott in April 2016 as a direct result of the company announcing that men who identified as women could access the changing rooms and restrooms of women and girls. This policy is a direct threat to women and girls, as sexual predators may take advantage of it to gain access to their victims.
We encourage you to continue boycotting Target during this Christmas season! You can also take these steps:
Take Action
- If you haven’t already, sign our pledge and join 1.5 million others in boycotting the Target Corporation (physical locations and online shopping) over its bathroom policy.
- Call Target headquarters at 612-304-6073 and personally let them know you are boycotting their company.
- Voice your concerns on Target's Facebook page.
- Forward this information to friends and family. Invite them to get involved and to take action today.
