Target's move to pull some LGBTQ-themed merchandise from stores following customer backlash "is wrong," New York attorney general Letitia James said in a tweet on Tuesday and urged the retailer to reverse its decision.
At least 14 New York officials have signed a letter regarding Target's decision, according to James's tweet.
.@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 last month said it was making certain "adjustments" to its LGBTQ-themed products linked to Pride Month, citing increased confrontations between shoppers and employees and incidents of products being thrown on the floor.
The company has lost nearly $15 billion in market value in the wake of a conservative boycott over its LGBT Pride collection, which included products for children and some merchandise from a designer who identifies as Satanist.
Target did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
(Reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva and Pooja Desai)
