Georgia supporters celebrated the expansion this week of the state's gun laws, but don't tell Target Corp., which wants shoppers to know it won't welcome guns into its stores.

Interim CEO John Mulligan posted a message Wednesday on the company's blog responding to national pressure by gun rights groups in Georgia, Texas and other states to support their members' desire to bear arms where allowed by law.

“This is a complicated issue, but it boils down to a simple belief: Bringing firearms to Target creates an environment that is at odds with the family-friendly shopping and work experience we strive to create,” Mulligan said.

In Georgia, the law allows private property owners to decide whether to welcome citizens with gun-carrying permits onto their premises with their weapons — meaning Target is within its rights to ask customers not to bring guns into its stores here.

Additionally, the law as of Tuesday also expands where Georgians may legally carry firearms, including into public schools, churches and government buildings under certain conditions.

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