SAN DIEGO, CA – A judge ruled that a pro-gay rights group could continue to canvas outside Target Department Stores in California. The protesters, however, would be required to stay at least 30 feet from the stores’ entrances and protest at only one entrance at a time.

Target’s corporate headquarters had sought an injunction preventing gay activists from every one of their stores in the state, claiming customers were being harassed, given information in favor of same-sex marriage, being solicited for donations and asked to sign petitions.

The gay rights organization, Canvass for a Cause, said that the lawsuit would further hurt relationships between the LGBT community and Target, and they were simply exercising their right of free speech.

Superior Court Judge Jeffrey B arton s

aid Target stores may fall under a California law that considers shopping centers to be public forums. Also, canvassing over the last year occurred mainly without incident and Target failed to demonstrate that customers were being harassed.