Target allows customers to use restrooms based on gender identity

Target has taken a stand regarding government policies on restroom use by members of the LGBT community. The retail store chain expressed that individuals may use the bathroom or fitting room based on their gender identity.

"In our stores, we demonstrate our commitment to an inclusive experience in many ways," Target said in a statement. "Most relevant for the conversations currently underway, we welcome transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity."

Legislators from across the United States have debated on the issue, and some states have already passed laws that require people to use restrooms, locker rooms, and similar facilities based on their sex at birth rather than the gender they identify with.

One such state is North Carolina, where state officials believe that the law would protect women and children from sex predators. The state's House Bill 2 has caused a wave of reactions from those oppose to it, with PayPal pulling out a multi-million project, and performers like Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, and Cirque du Soleil cancelling their performances.

In Minnesota, the location of Target's main office, a similar bill has been proposed.

"We believe that everyone — every team member, every guest, and every community — deserves to be protected from discrimination, and treated equally," Target's statement also says. "Consistent with this belief, Target supports the federal Equality Act, which provides protections to LGBT individuals, and opposes action that enables discrimination."

The announcement has received a mix of reactions. Some are thankful, while others said they won't use Target's dressing rooms anymore. Texas representative Louie Gohmert, reports The Huffington Post, has said that he won't be shopping at Target unless the rules are changed.

"I understand Target may now be changing their restrooms," Gohmert said in a speech at the 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."

His view, said the publication, is that letting people use such facilities based on their gender identity is like allowing a male perv go into a restroom with little girls.