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Judge rules gay rights group can picket Target

By Leslie Tripp, CNN
  • Target filed a request for a statewide injuction against Canvass for a Cause
  • The judge rules the group must stay 30 feet from a store entrance
  • The group is protesting a Target donation

(CNN) -- A pro-gay marriage group can continue to picket Target stores in California but must do so 30 feet away from a store entrance, a judge has ruled.

The retail giant had filed an injunction trying to keep Canvass for a Cause from picketing at its stores statewide. A California Superior Court judge in San Diego County denied that injunction but placed specific rules on what the group can do, according to court documents filed Thursday.

The group can only canvas one store entrance at any given time so customers' acces to the store isn't impeded, the judge ruled. Also, group members are not allowed to "harass, follow, stalk, or block movements of Target's employees, management or customers."

"Target was denied a restraining order against Canvass for a Cause, citing there was no evidence volunteers were threatening or harassing! This is a win," the San Diego group said on its website.

The group began picketing Target after the corporation donated $150,000 to MN Forward, a organization that supported the failed gubernatorial campaign of Republican Tom Emmer, who opposes same-sex marriage.

Target has since apologized for the donation.

Gregg Steinhafel, the company's chairman, CEO and president, sent a letter to Target managers and employees in August.

"We remain fully committed to fostering an environment that supports and respects the rights and beliefs of all individuals," Steinhafel wrote.

CNN's Greg Morrison contributed to this report