The petition, outlined in a news release distributed by Faithful America and UltraViolet, asks Hobby Lobby's leaders “not to use their Christian beliefs as an excuse to put women's health care at risk.”
Schmitz said he agreed to deliver the petition because he opposes anything that limits access to contraception, as he believes Hobby Lobby's lawsuit is attempting to do.
He said he is concerned that limiting access to contraception will result in an increase in unplanned pregnancies, which could result in more abortions.
Duncan said he took issue with the petitioners' assertion that Hobby Lobby's leaders, the Green family of Oklahoma City, should not use their faith as a guideline for their lawsuit. He said Hobby Lobby has a generous health care plan, and the company is not trying to say health care reform is illegal.
He said the company's leaders simply do not wish to pay for drugs that cause abortion.
“Hobby Lobby is not trying to control their employees' lives. All Hobby Lobby is trying to say is ‘please leave us out of providing these kind of drugs that our faith tells us is the wrong thing to do,'” he said.
Hobby Lobby founder David Green has long been known for his Christian religious convictions. The company operates more than 500 stories in 41 states.
CONTRIBUTING: The Associated Press
