OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A
coalition of Christian pastors in Oklahoma is opposing Hobby Lobby's
lawsuit challenging federal health care guidelines that require the arts
and crafts chain to provide insurance coverage for the morning-after
pill.
The Rev. Lance Schmitz says
more than 80,000 people signed petitions opposing the Oklahoma-based
company's lawsuit. Schmitz tried to deliver the petitions Thursday to
Hobby Lobby headquarters but was ordered to leave the property. The
pastor says he will mail the petitions instead.
The company had no immediate comment.
Hobby Lobby, which operates
more than 500 stores in 41 states, argues in its lawsuit that providing
coverage for the morning-after pill violates its owners' "deeply held
religious beliefs."
The petitions say Hobby Lobby should not use its Christian beliefs to deny women access to birth control.
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