Target rejects calls to donate to gay rights groups

The controversy surrounding Target Corporation's recent $150,000 donation to a group backing Republican Tom Emmer for governor refuses to die.

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay and lesbian rights organization, said Monday that Target has rejected calls to give an equal or greater donation to groups that support gay rights.

Human Rights Campaign spokesman Fred Sainz said the organization will respond by giving $150,000 of its own money to help elect what the group calls "a pro-equality governor and legislature in Minnesota."

"All that we are asking is that a pro-equality set of issues and candidates be able to have $150,000 to support that set of issues," Sainz said.

Target spokesperson Erika Svingen said company officials feel it's impossible to keep further actions from turning into a political issue, so the company will wait.

"We will use the benefit of time to make thoughtful, careful decisions on how best to move forward," Svingen said. "We remain committed to the GLBT community and will continue to seek thoughtful ways to demonstrate the strong support for inclusiveness that we have held throughout our history."

A recent Supreme Court decision allowed corporations to contribute to certain political committees.

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