Transphobic congressman refuses to shop at Target

by Austin Stallings
Journalism Intern

WASHINGTON – Retail giant, Target, has apparently lost the business of Republican Congressman Louie Gohmert after they unveiled their plans to allow transgender people the right to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity.

Target’s updated policy comes in response to a string of bathroom bills released nationwide; the most notorious being North Carolina’s HB2.

“I understand Target may now be changing their restrooms,” Gohmert said in a speech to a mostly empty House chamber. “If they’re going to be having women come into men’s restrooms, I won’t be going to Target to shop, unless and until that changes.”

The decision wasn’t easy for the Texas conservative, as he would go on to say that he likes how the store’s restrooms are laid out.

“Usually, Target’s great,” Gohmert said. “They have the restrooms right there, where you go in the door to the store. Normally you don’t have to go clear to the back of the store. You’ve got to go shopping, it’s handy.”

During his floor remarks, the Texas lawmaker said that letting transgender people use bathrooms that match their gender identity is akin to letting a male sex offender into a bathroom with little girls.

“It’s already been shown, you give guys a chance to say ‘I’m transgender’ and I get to go in and film a girl in a shower. There will be people that do that,” Gohmert said.

Target spokeswoman Molly Snyder said Friday that the store appreciates the “wide variety of perspectives and opinions” on where people should go to the bathroom, but it’s sticking with its policy.

It is unknown whether or not Gohmert’s boycott will have any effect on the $53.5 billion company.

The Gayly - 4/22/16 @ 3:00 p.m CDT