Minneapolis-based Target Corp. is going to sue the group Canvass, gay-marriage activists, who are canvassing outside the retailing stores of the company in San Diego area.

The company claims that the canvassing outside its stores is not only harassing its customers but is also hampering its business.

Rights advocates claimed that the legal battle between the Target and Canvass for a Cause can stress the relationship of the retailer with members of gay and lesbian community. The retailer has already spoilt its relation by baking donations worth $150,000 to MN Forward, which was in support for Tom Emmer, who opposed gay marriage, in the governor's race.

On Friday, during court hearing in San Diego, David McDowell, attorney for Target informed the judged that solicitors are canvassing on the private land and the company has the right for enforcing its policy against the solicitors.

The attorney for Canvass for a Cause, Bryan W. Pease, however refuted the claim made by the Target’s attorney saying that the area surrounding the stores come under public domain.

Fred Sainz, Spokesman for the Washington-based Human Rights Campaign, said, "Some of the documents of the case seem to suggest selective enforcement, and that's so incredibly important", and further added "If it's a blanket rule prohibiting outside solicitors, I have no place to go. But if the action appears to be punitive against a group, that's when my back goes up and I begin to question the motivation of a corporation".