Target Homophobia? CEO Gregg Steinhafel Defends $150K Donation To Anti-Gay Politician, LGBT Community Angered
A campaign contribution to a well-known anti-gay politician in
Minnesota has become a rather large public relations nightmare for
Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel--and the store now faces boycotts and
backlash from the gay community.
Target's Chief Executive Steinhafel said gay employees have been concerned about the money helping state Rep. Tom Emmer,
who opposes gay marriage. Target gave $150,000 to MN Forward, a group
staffed by former insiders from outgoing Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's
administration. MN Forward is running TV ads supporting Emmer.
The Associated Press reports
that Emmer is a fiery conservative who lauds Arizona's strict approach
to illegal immigration, once advocated chemical castration for sex
offenders and wants to lower taxes. His profile contrasts with Target's
moderate image in Minnesota, where the company is known for donating to
public school programs, food pantries and the annual Twin Cities Gay
Pride Festival.
Following the money trail, the Minnesota Independent has also linked Emmer to a Minnesota Christian "punk-rock ministry" that supports the killing of gays and lesbians...more
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