A popular arts and crafts store is taking a stand by refusing to comply with a new Affordable Care Act mandate because it does not comply with the company’s religious beliefs.
There was a steady flow of people at the Hobby Lobby in Fayetteville all day Saturday. While some were there to pick up their typical arts and crafts, others came to show support for the store's religious stance.
Hobby Lobby, based in Oklahoma, has 500 stores and 13,000 employees.
It's a national movement, and shoppers everywhere took a stand.
"I am here to support Hobby Lobby with everything that's going on in regards to ObamaCare and how they're going to be affected if this goes into effect with them," Julia Roe said.
It all started a few months ago with the announcement that privately owned companies, like Hobby Lobby, are not exempt from President Barack Obama's Health and Human Services mandate. The mandate requires coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptive drugs and devices, surgical sterilizations and abortion-inducing drugs.
Hobby Lobby's evangelical Christian owners objected and said they were opposed to any drug that could cause an abortion.
"As a Christian myself I believe that personally that the morning after pill is indeed abortion. Therefore, I want to stand by my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and support them," Roe said.
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor ruled Dec. 26 that Hobby Lobby must comply with the regulations while its court appeal was proceeding through the 10th Circuit. Hobby Lobby refused and faces a possible daily fine of $100 per employee, which could escalate to $1.3 million, by the IRS.
"I just think it's important that we don't let our government dictate what we have to do,” said Shannon Dere. “They are basically dictating how Hobby Lobby has to believe. I think that's what our country is founded on, is having the freedom to believe in whatever we want so I just support a company who wants to stand up for those rights."
5NEWS tried to get in touch with Hobby Lobby's corporate office, but an official declined comment.
And while the people 5NEWS spoke to in the Hobby Lobby parking lot support the store, others spoke out on social media saying they refuse to spend their money there.
Many of you have commented on our Facebook page.
Stephanie Haynes -- "Businesses should not bring religion into it."
Ashley Brown -- "I believe in god but I also believe in the right to control how may children I want."
Brynaa Smith -- "I don't believe any company has the right to make medical decisions for their workers."