Canvassers will be allowed to continue canvassing for marriage equality at TARGET, as per a preliminary ruling issued today:
A San Diego judge ruled Thursday that a pro-gay marriage group can continue canvassing outside of Target stores in California.
TARGET, the corporation that had already been the target (heh) of a boycott by LGBT's and allies because of their donations to groups and candidates that did not support LGBT rights, was
seeking to stop the volunteers from collecting signatures and donations in support of gay marriage. ((in front of TARGET stores))
California Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Barton ruled that
the store entrances are considered a public forum under California law.
Judge Barton's order was not a complete victory for canvassers. Barton ordered that
local same-sex marriage advocates must remain 30 feet from the entrances of all Target stores in California and that they may only approach shoppers one entrance at a time.
The ruling was preliminary, no trial has yet occurred.
The legal case will continue until the judge issues a permanent injunction at a trial or the sides agree to settle, Pease ((attorney for the canvassers)) said. For now, either side has the option to appeal Barton’s ruling, something Pease said he will consider.
At least that's a bit of good news today.