Target faces backlash on stance on transgender bathrooms

Two weeks ago, the Minneapolis-based discounter issued a statement that said customers and employees can use the restroom or fitting room that "corresponds to their gender identity."

The move made Target the first major retailer to take such a prominent position on the issue, and won praise from supporters of transgender rights.

One online petition started by a group called The American Family Association, a conservative Christian advocacy group, calls for a boycott of Target stores.

Target's statement comes amid a national debate over whether to restrict transgender people to using public bathrooms that match the sex listed on their birth certificate.

[...] CEO Doug McMillon was among a group of CEOs who last year opposed the so-called religious freedom laws that allow faith-based groups to deny services or jobs based on sexual orientation.

Bryan Kemper, youth outreach director for Staying True, the youth arm for Priests for Life, an anti-abortion group, said that last week he put up a video critiquing Target's decision on his Facebook page that has now garnered more than 250,000 views.