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Befitting its name, Target became one last week, when Republican attorneys general from seven states signed a letter warning that merchandise it had featured in its Pride month collection could violate child-protection laws in their states.
In the letter, dated July 5, the officials wrote that because they were “committed to enforcing our States’ child-protection and parental-rights laws,” they were objecting to LGBTQ+ Pride items, including some children’s items.
“Our concerns entail the company’s promotion and sale of potentially harmful products to minors, related potential interference with parental authority in matters of sex and gender identity,” the letter stated.
The letter was signed by attorneys general from Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and South Carolina.
Target declined to comment to CNN on the letter, and has not issued a statement in response.
In May, after Target faced what it said was backlash at its stores, including threats to employees, it pulled some Pride merchandise, and moved remaining Pride items from the front to the back of some stores.
“Since introducing this year’s collection, we’ve experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and wellbeing while at work,” Target said in a statement in May. “Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans.”
That action also prompted a letter to Target from attorneys general—in that case, Democrats from 14 states and the District of Columbia.
“Though we do not doubt Target’s longstanding commitment to LGBTQIA+ equality, and though we laud your intention to keep your staff members and customers safe,” the letter, dated June 16, stated, “we fear your choice to pull Pride merchandise demonstrates that intentional violence and intimidation can set back the march for social progress.”