Why Boycott Hobby Lobby? Unpacking the Controversies

People boycott Hobby Lobby primarily due to the company’s deeply held religious beliefs influencing its business practices, particularly regarding healthcare coverage for employees, its stance on LGBTQ+ rights, and concerns surrounding its acquisition of ancient artifacts. These issues have ignited significant public debate and fueled organized boycotts from various groups advocating for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and the ethical sourcing of cultural heritage.

The Core Issues: Faith, Business, and Social Justice

Hobby Lobby, owned by the David Green family, openly operates according to its Christian values. While a company’s ethical compass is often seen as a positive attribute, in Hobby Lobby’s case, it has led to controversies that sparked widespread boycotts. Let’s dive deeper into these issues:

Healthcare Mandate & Religious Freedom

The most prominent reason for boycotts revolves around the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandate requiring employers to provide health insurance coverage that includes contraceptives. Hobby Lobby famously challenged this mandate in the landmark Supreme Court case Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. (2014).

The Green family argued that providing certain contraceptive methods (specifically those they consider abortifacients) violated their religious freedom under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). They won the case, allowing closely held for-profit companies to be exempt from the ACA mandate if it conflicts with their religious beliefs.

This decision ignited fierce debate. Critics argued that it allowed corporations to impose their religious views on employees, particularly impacting women’s access to comprehensive healthcare. Supporters, on the other hand, championed the decision as a victory for religious freedom and the right to operate a business according to one’s conscience. This conflict led to widespread calls for boycotts, with activists urging consumers to avoid shopping at Hobby Lobby in protest against what they perceived as discrimination against women’s reproductive rights.

LGBTQ+ Rights & Discrimination Concerns

Hobby Lobby’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights has also drawn considerable criticism and fueled boycott efforts. While the company does not explicitly discriminate against LGBTQ+ employees or customers in a legally actionable way, its public statements and the Green family’s support for organizations perceived as anti-LGBTQ+ have raised concerns.

For example, there have been instances of the company refusing to recognize same-sex marriages and supporting organizations that advocate against LGBTQ+ rights. Although these actions haven’t directly violated anti-discrimination laws in all areas, they contribute to a perception that Hobby Lobby is not an inclusive or welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. This perception, in turn, motivates some to boycott the store as a way of protesting what they consider to be discriminatory or anti-LGBTQ+ policies and beliefs.

Acquisition of Ancient Artifacts & Ethical Concerns

Another, less publicized but equally significant, reason for boycotts stems from Hobby Lobby’s controversial acquisition of ancient artifacts. In 2017, the company was fined $3 million by the U.S. government for illegally importing thousands of ancient Iraqi artifacts labeled as “tile samples.”

The Department of Justice alleged that Hobby Lobby knowingly purchased these artifacts from dealers who had obtained them illegally from conflict zones, potentially funding terrorist organizations in the process. Critics argue that Hobby Lobby’s actions contributed to the looting and destruction of cultural heritage, violating international laws and ethical principles.

This incident, coupled with allegations of the company displaying artifacts of questionable provenance in its Museum of the Bible, raised serious concerns about Hobby Lobby’s commitment to ethical sourcing and cultural preservation. It prompted calls for boycotts from archaeologists, historians, and advocates for cultural heritage preservation, who argued that supporting Hobby Lobby was tantamount to supporting the illicit trade of ancient artifacts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Hobby Lobby Boycott

Here are some common questions and answers about the Hobby Lobby boycott, providing further context and information:

1. What is the main reason people boycott Hobby Lobby? The main reason is the company’s religious beliefs influencing its business practices, specifically its challenge to the ACA mandate on contraceptive coverage.

2. What was the Supreme Court case involving Hobby Lobby about? The case, Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. (2014), was about whether the ACA’s contraceptive mandate violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) rights of closely held for-profit companies.

3. Did Hobby Lobby win their Supreme Court case? Yes, Hobby Lobby won the case. The Supreme Court ruled that the ACA’s contraceptive mandate substantially burdened the religious freedom of closely held for-profit companies.

4. How does Hobby Lobby’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights contribute to the boycott? While not explicitly illegal, Hobby Lobby’s perceived lack of support for LGBTQ+ rights, coupled with the Green family’s donations to organizations deemed anti-LGBTQ+, contributes to a negative perception and fuels boycott efforts.

5. What were the details of Hobby Lobby’s fine for importing artifacts? Hobby Lobby was fined $3 million for illegally importing thousands of ancient Iraqi artifacts labeled as “tile samples,” violating customs laws and potentially funding illicit activities.

6. What is the Museum of the Bible, and how is it connected to Hobby Lobby? The Museum of the Bible is a museum dedicated to the Bible’s history and impact, founded by the Green family, owners of Hobby Lobby. It has faced scrutiny for the provenance of some of its artifacts.

7. Are there any arguments in favor of supporting Hobby Lobby? Yes, some people support Hobby Lobby because they admire the company’s commitment to its religious values, its support for conservative causes, and its job creation efforts. They also appreciate the affordable prices and variety of craft supplies offered.

8. What is the impact of the boycott on Hobby Lobby’s business? It’s difficult to definitively quantify the boycott’s impact, but it has undoubtedly affected the company’s reputation and potentially its sales, especially in more liberal areas.

9. What are alternative craft stores that people can support instead of Hobby Lobby? Popular alternatives include Michael’s, Joann Fabrics, and smaller, locally owned craft stores. Online marketplaces like Etsy also offer a wide variety of handmade and craft supplies.

10. Has Hobby Lobby responded to the boycott efforts? Hobby Lobby has largely maintained its position, emphasizing its commitment to religious freedom and operating its business according to its values. They have occasionally issued statements defending their actions.

11. What is the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), and why is it relevant? The RFRA is a federal law that prohibits the government from substantially burdening a person’s exercise of religion, unless it is the least restrictive means of furthering a compelling government interest. It was central to Hobby Lobby’s Supreme Court case.

12. How long has the Hobby Lobby boycott been ongoing? The boycott initially gained momentum in 2012 during the ACA mandate debate and has continued intermittently since then, resurfacing with each new controversy or perceived infraction. The artifact scandal re-ignited it again in 2017 and beyond.

In conclusion, the reasons behind the Hobby Lobby boycott are complex and multifaceted, stemming from a confluence of religious beliefs, business practices, and social justice concerns. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between religious freedom, corporate responsibility, and individual rights in a diverse and increasingly polarized society. Whether to boycott Hobby Lobby ultimately remains a personal decision based on individual values and priorities.