Lawsuit Against Target Granted Class-Action Status

Baltimore, Alawsuit against Target Corp. stemming from charges that its Web site is not accessible to the blind, has been granted class-action status by a federal judge in California, according to the non-profit National Federation of the Blind, a lead plaintiff in the suit against the retailer, the Baltimore Business Journal reported.

Target is being sued over claims that its Web site violates federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination against the disabled.

In a ruling filed Tuesday, Judge Marilyn Patel of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California rejected Target's motion for summary judgment in the case.

Last year, the Baltimore-based National Federation of the Blind said Target's Web site violates the Americans with Disabilities Act because it is not accessible to blind users. "This is a tremendous step forward for blind people throughout the country who for too long have been denied equal access to the Internet economy," Marc Maurer, president of the National Federation of the Blind, said in a statement. "All e-commerce businesses should take note of this decision and immediately take steps to open their doors to the blind."

Target maintains its site is accessible and complies with the law.