As the #2 discount retail chain in the U.S. with over $67 billion in annual sales, and intent on conquering Canada’s retail market, Target Corp. undoubtedly wields significant socio-economic influence.

Recognizing this influence, Target regularly donates to good causes, encourages volunteerism among their employees, and boasts a generous and open work atmosphere (though their overseas record is less than spotless).

But as you might remember from last year, Target’s name became synonymous with more than just good shopping deals and civic responsibility, having gained notoriety for their continued support of anti-LGBT politicians across the country; this after significant public outrage over their whopping $150,000 in cash donations to one hate-promoting group in Minnesota.

All this in the name of seeking bigger breaks and business-friendliness from state politicians (I guess a growth of $3 billion in sales in the past two years isn’t friendly enough).

As recently as last week,  Target even lost a brief legal battle to prevent a gay rights group from canvassing outside their stores in California. Target had claimed that the collection of signatures in support of marriage equality —outside their shops— was bad for business.

While Target attempts to justify their donations to the advancement of anti-LGBT politicians by stating economic reasons, or in glossing over them by repeating that they donate $3 million a week for good causes, they cannot escape the fact that 1-cent for hate is 1-cent too much.

Target has yet to release their 2010 “Corporate Responsibility Report.” When they do, they should display some sense of gravitas, and use it as an opportunity to flex their influence for the rights of their customers and employees, instead of blindly accepting the agenda of social and civil hate by supposed “pro-business” politicians.