Even Though Target Is Installing Private Bathrooms, Conservative Christians Are Still Complaining

The American Family Association is still whining about Target’s trans-inclusive bathroom policy even though the company has agreed to their demands. It just goes to show that the AFA, like most conservative Christians, have to feel perpetually persecuted even when there’s nothing for them to whine about.

Let’s go back to April, when Target announced it would allow transgender people to use the appropriate bathrooms. Conservative Christians reacted like this was a human rights violation of the worst order, and the American Family Association promoted a boycott of the store.

That boycott pledge said very bluntly that “Target’s policy is exactly how sexual predators get access to their victims,” as if allowing trans people to use proper bathrooms was inviting molesters to commit crimes.

But let me focus on another aspect of the pledge: The AFA’s proposed solution:

One solution is a common-sense approach and a reasonable solution to the issue of transgendered customers: a unisex bathroom. Target should keep separate facilities for men and women, but for the trans community and for those who simply like using the bathroom alone, a single occupancy unisex option should be provided.

Well, guess what? That’s what Target did! They announced the other day that they would put single-stall bathrooms in all of their stores. Trans people could use them. Mothers and their children could use them. Anyone unable to handle the thought of sharing bathroom space with others on account of “stranger danger” could use them.

This is what AFA asked for and Target pledged $20 million to deliver on that promise.

But in an email sent out to followers this afternoon, the AFA made clear they’re still not happy. (As if they could ever be happy.)

Don’t fall for it. Target has not changed its policy.

While it is true the company is adding single-stall, lockable bathrooms to all store locations, Target says it will continue to allow men to use the women’s restrooms and fitting rooms inside their stores.

Adding more bathrooms isn’t the solution. Not allowing men in women’s facilities is the solution.

Umm… Target’s policy allowing trans people to use the appropriate bathrooms is exactly what’s stopping men from using women’s facilities… (I don’t think the AFA understands what being trans means.)

In any case, here’s what the formal letter from the AFA’s President Tim Wildmon to Target’s CEO Brian Cornell said:

Unisex bathrooms are fine, but our request has always been that Target maintain the gender-specific bathrooms as well – if the company is interested in guaranteeing the safety and privacy of women and girls who patronize the retailer’s stores.

AFA’s boycott will remain in place until Target agrees that protecting the safety and privacy of women and children is of paramount concern. To demonstrate that commitment, we ask that you reverse your current bathroom and fitting room policy.

Wildmon forgot to add that the boycott will remain in place until the AFA has squeezed every last penny from its donors…

It’s really incredible how pretend-persecuted Wildmon is feeling right now. Target is building these private bathrooms that anyone can use — including irrational Christians who think they have to fear trans people — and it’s still not enough.

These conservative Christians believe only trans people should be inconvenienced.

It’s bigotry, pure and simple. It’s not about safety or privacy since both of those issues have been directly addressed by Target. It’s about making sure trans people are treated like second class citizens.

Give it another week, and I’m sure the AFA will put out a call for separate but equal bathrooms. All in the name of Christian love, of course.

(Image via Northfoto / Shutterstock.com. Portions of this article were published earlier.)