Texas warns Target: 'Allowing men in women's restrooms could lead to criminal and otherwise unwanted activity'

Reuters

Target appears unfazed by the boycott being threatened by over a million of its customers after it implemented its "inclusive" bathroom policy.

The policy would "welcome transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender."

Target's move enraged customers who do not want paedophiles and sexual predators anywhere near their daughters, mothers and wives.

In response to Target's policy, the American Family Association (AFA) started an online petition calling on people to boycott Target until the retail giant reverses its decision.

"Nearly everyone has a mother, wife, daughter or friend who is put in jeopardy by this policy," AFA President Tim Wildmon said. "Predators and voyeurs would take advantage of the policy to prey on those who are vulnerable."

Now, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has put more pressure on the company by writing a letter directly addressed to Target's Chief Executive Officer Brian Cornell. "It is possible that allowing men in women's restrooms could lead to criminal and otherwise unwanted activity," Paxton wrote in the letter obtained by Fox News.

"As chief lawyer and law enforcement officer for the State of Texas, I ask that you provide the full text of Target's safety policies regarding the protection of women and children from those who would use the cover of Target's restroom policy for nefarious purposes," he said.

Paxton said Target is free to make its own bathroom policies, but added that he does not think all Texans will welcome those policies. "The voters in Houston recently repealed by a wide margin an ordinance that advanced many of the same goals as Target's current policy," he said.

Paxton said Target should consider the safety and security of its customers. If it allows sexual predators inside women's bathrooms, how will they be protected? "If we save one child from illegal or inappropriate activity, it's worth it," he said.

Target has kept silent throughout the whole controversy, and has not backed down on its decision. AFA spokesperson Walker Wildmon, however, expressed optimism that Target would respond to Paxton's letter.

"What he's asking in this letter is exactly what we've been asking Target to answer," Wildmon said. "What about women and children? What about men who pretend to be women and go into these bathrooms just so they can prey on women?"

"It's fabulous that someone in leadership in our country is stepping up to the plate and asking the tough questions that need to be asked," he added.