Target lawsuit challenges Canvass For A Cause’s free-speech rights - Empty Closets - A safe online community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered people coming out

Dan82 · 25th Mar 2011, 11:54 AM

http://sdgln.com/news/2011/03/24/tar...-speech-rights

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Does a big-box retailer like Target have the right to ban activist groups from talking to their customers entering and leaving their stores in California?

Does an activist group like Canvass For A Cause have the right to talk to those customers outside stores like Target?
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On Friday morning, Superior Court Judge Jeffrey B. Barton will listen to arguments from both sides after Minnesota-based Target Corp. sued the San Diego-based Canvass For A Cause (CFAC) to prevent the grass-roots activist group from gathering petition signatures in front of its stores in California.

The fundamental American right to free speech is at the heart of this case, said Tres Watson, executive director of CFAC who is a San Diego resident.

In an earlier court date on March 8, Judge Barton denied a motion by Target’s attorneys seeking a temporary restraining order against CFAC. Barton ruled that the right of free speech trumps over the business interest of Target in refusing the request.

In a court document, a Target official at the Poway store complained that CFAC volunteers were talking to customers about gay marriage, among other issues, and contended that they had received complaints from some customers who were upset by the topic...

http://sdgln.com/news/2011/03/24/tar...-speech-rights

Dan82 · 25th Mar 2011, 12:55 PM

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...s/7491376.html

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A judge said Friday he would issue a ruling next week in a lawsuit filed by Target Corp. against a pro-gay marriage group to make it stop canvassing outside the retailer's San Diego County stores.

The suit alleges the activists are driving away customers by cornering them and talking about gay marriage.

Rights advocates say the legal battle between Target and Canvass For A Cause could further strain the retailer's relations with the gay and lesbian community.

Target previously made a $150,000 donation to a business group backing a Minnesota Republican candidate opposed to gay marriage.

Minnesota-based Target insisted it remained committed to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and its lawsuit has nothing to do with the political agenda of the organization.

During a court hearing Friday in San Diego, Target attorney David McDowell told Judge Jeffrey Barton that the solicitors are on private property, and Target has the right to enforce its policy against solicitors...

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...s/7491376.html

Shevanel · 25th Mar 2011, 01:51 PM

Obviously I'm not sure of the true motivation behind the suit, but I doubt it really matters if their a gay rights group or not. Unless they're specifically allowed to be on the store grounds to sell or whatever they may be approved for, they shouldn't be there.

Dan82 · 25th Mar 2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shevanel

Obviously I'm not sure of the true motivation behind the suit, but I doubt it really matters if their a gay rights group or not. Unless they're specifically allowed to be on the store grounds to sell or whatever they may be approved for, they shouldn't be there.

Under the Constitution of California individuals includes a provision granting individuals the right to free speech on some types of private property.

Shevanel · 25th Mar 2011, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan82

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shevanel

Obviously I'm not sure of the true motivation behind the suit, but I doubt it really matters if their a gay rights group or not. Unless they're specifically allowed to be on the store grounds to sell or whatever they may be approved for, they shouldn't be there.

Under the Constitution of California individuals includes a provision granting individuals the right to free speech on some types of private property.

Oh, well. California is weird.

NickT · 25th Mar 2011, 08:42 PM

Sooo Westboro can picket a funeral but we can't talk to people outside stores?

Revan · 25th Mar 2011, 08:47 PM

Sigh...Target just took over Zellers here in Canada....woo

25th Mar 2011, 01:51 PM	#3
Shevanel One Is Light. One Is Dark. Full Member Gender: The Dude Orientation: Bi-Winning Out Status: Everybody and Your Mom. Location: Bolivar, Ohio (From NY though) Age: 21 Posts: 7,672 Join Date: Dec 2008	Re: Target sues San Diego gay rights group Obviously I'm not sure of the true motivation behind the suit, but I doubt it really matters if their a gay rights group or not. Unless they're specifically allowed to be on the store grounds to sell or whatever they may be approved for, they shouldn't be there. __________________ If there were no rewards to reap, No loving embrace to see me through this tedious path I've chosen here, I certainly would've walked away by now. Gonna wait it out... Be patient.

25th Mar 2011, 08:42 PM	#6
NickT Mr. Grammar Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Kentucky Posts: 985 Join Date: Sep 2009	Re: Target lawsuit challenges Canvass For A Cause’s free-speech rights Sooo Westboro can picket a funeral but we can't talk to people outside stores? __________________ Gay Pride!

25th Mar 2011, 08:47 PM	#7
Revan EC Addict Full Member Gender: M for MEEP! Orientation: Mutant and Proud Out Status: Out to everyone Location: Windsor, Ontario Age: 24 Posts: 6,569 Join Date: Jun 2005	Re: Target lawsuit challenges Canvass For A Cause’s free-speech rights Sigh...Target just took over Zellers here in Canada....woo __________________ "Is there some reason my coffee isn't here? Has she died or something?" - Miranda Priestly. Strength is not defined by physical capacity, but by indomitable will. ~ Mahatma Gandhi Procrastination is like masturbation, in the end you just wind up screwing yourself.