Retailer Giant, Target, released a statement on Tuesday that it will now allow its trasngender workers and customers to use the bathroom of their choice. Such decision was the result of a continuous debate about the rights of LGBT community and North Carolina's new law.
Target's move came after North Carolina became the first U.S. state that requires all transgender people to use the bathroom that matches their sex identity at birth instead of their gender preference. This rule applies to all public facilities including schools. Target has 49 stores in North Carolina.
Fortune reported that the Target retailer published a blog about the move. "Inclusivity is a core belief at Target," according to blog. "It's something we celebrate. We stand for equality and equity, and strive to make our guests and team member feel accepted, respected and welcomed in our stores and workplaces every day."
The retailer giant is known to be a supporter of the LGBT community. They even feature same-sex couples in some of its promotional materials. It also announced that it will abolish gender-specific signages in store aisles that have kid's toys, beddings and books.
According to Reuters, the regulation released in North Carolina will not affect private sectors and businesses. These sectors are free to implement their own policies, according to an executive order issued by Governor Pat McCory. The law is not meant to discriminate LGBT individuals but rather to protect the privacy rights and keep children and women safe from sexual predators.
In an article released by Yahoo, the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce asked for an appeal regarding the state law as it creates economic losses. The law created ire to some organizations and celebrities. PayPal Holdings and Deutsche Bank are some of the companies that cancelled projects in North Carolina. Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr also cancelled performance engagements because of the law.
According to Target spokeswoman Molly Snyder, the retailer already have its support towards the LGBT community from the start. Target is a known supporter of Federal Equality Act which aims to protect LGBT individuals against discrimination on their sexual orientation and gender identity. However, since there are issues concerning the new law that North Carolina has implemented, "we felt it was important to state our position."
Target's stand on this controversial issue has not make any negative impact on its business. In fact, its sales rose to 2.1 percent last 2015.
