As the Christmas rush approaches, the Christian watchdog group One Million Moms (1MM) is asking American shoppers to refrain from patronising retail giant Target.
"Target is hoping that you won't care that they allow men into women's bathrooms and changing rooms and will do your Christmas shopping with them. 1MM knows that you do care," the group wrote on its website.
It provided three reasons why people should go shopping elsewhere. The first is the risk of encountering sexual predators because of Target's inclusive bathroom policy. "Despite Target's denial that men entering women's rooms is a problem, the reality remains that it is a major problem. We have the proof," it said.
Just last month, a man pleaded guilty for video-taping a woman while she was changing clothes inside a Target store fitting room in July. The American Family Association has listed at least 10 other similar cases in which women were exploited because Target gave sexual predators the go signal to use their bathrooms and fitting rooms.
Next, 1MM stated that the boycott against Target has impacted the company in a huge way. Since the boycott began, the company's stock price has dropped nearly 20 percent. Their grocery sales were also affected, and retail experts are even calling on them to drop their food division entirely.
"The reason the grocery side of Target is falling is because there is a decreased amount of foot traffic. With lower foot traffic, the food freshness date expires before being purchased," the group explained.
Lastly, 1MM said Target is counting on Christmas sales to turn their downward slump this 2016. But now is the time for Christians to take a stand for their values, it said.
"Let's hold firm to our conviction that men have no place in women's restrooms and dressing rooms and continue our pledge to boycott Target stores, especially during the Christmas shopping season," the group said. "With Target hoping you'll do your Christmas shopping with them, send them the strongest possible message you can and let Target know, 'Don't Count On Me!'"
