Target sues Canvass for a Cause over storefront protests

Details: Category: LGBT Issues; Published on Saturday, 26 March 2011 12:42; Written by Lara Landis; Hits: 315

Lady Gaga recently pulled her new single “Born This Way” from the shelves of Target because of its support of anti-gay groups. Canvass for a Cause has been protesting outside of California Target stores after the group made a $150,000 campaign donation for Minnesota gubentorial candidate Tom Emmer. Emmer opposed marriage equality in recent Minnesota gubentorial election, according to the Top News website.

Target claims the group is harassing its customers and impacting its sales. Bryan W. Rease, the lawyer representing Canvass for a Cause claims the outside of the store falls under the public domain roles. Target maintains that the protesters are trespassing on private property and need to move elsewhere.

In the past, Target has stopped Salvation Army Bell Ringers from standing in front of their stores. Target made a blanket donation to the Salvation Army in lieu of letting the church's bell ringers stand outside of the store.

At issue is whether or not the retail chain applies selective enforcement of its No Solicitation policy.