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Hobby Chain with Local Ties Going to Court

By on November 1, 2012

(AP)  AN ARTS AND CRAFT SUPPLY CHAIN THAT WANTS TO BLOCK ENFORCEMENT OF PART OF A NEW HEALTH CARE LAW THAT REQUIRES EMPLOYERS TO COVER INSURANCE COSTS FOR THE MORNING-AFTER PILL AND THE WEEK-AFTER PILL IS HEADING TO COURT.

LAWYERS FOR THE OKLAHOMA-BASED HOBBY LOBBY CHAIN…WHICH HAS A STORE IN BURLINGTON…SAY THE FEDERAL LAW IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND VIOLATES THE COMPANY’S OWNERS’ RELIGIOUS BELIEFS BY FORCING THEM TO FUND THE PILLS, WHICH THEY SAY EFFECTIVELY CAUSE AN ABORTION.  THE COMPANY SAYS FAILURE TO PROVIDE SUCH INSURANCE COULD LEAD TO FINES OF UP TO $1.3 MILLION A DAY.

THE U.S. DISTRICT COURT IN OKLAHOMA CITY IS SCHEDULED TO HEAR THE COMPANY’S ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF AN INJUNCTION TODAY.  THE GOVERNMENT SAYS HOBBY LOBBY IS A SECULAR EMPLOYER THAT BY DEFINITION DOES NOT EXERCISE RELIGION.