Protesters regroup at Hobby Lobby

A protest sprung up at Hobby Lobby in Burbank Saturday, roughly three months after an initial series of demonstrations that followed the opening of the craft chain on Victory Boulevard.

The protest, hosted by the Reproductive Justice Coalition of Los Angeles, also included members from the National Council of Jewish Women’s Los Angeles Chapter, Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and Black Women for Wellness.

Protesters voiced their dissent of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that allowed the chain’s owners to exempt certain contraceptives from employees’ medical insurance on moral grounds.

Roughly a dozen people, including two men, clinched signs that read “Birth control is not my boss’ business” and “Healthcare is not your hobby,” urging motorists to shop for craft items elsewhere. Some drivers honked in agreement. A man, in a black truck, yelled “baby killers” at the group as he approached Magnolia Boulevard.

“We support the individual employee’s religious freedom and making their own moral, religious decision,” said Ruth Dawson, with the Reproductive Justice Coalition in L.A. “We believe it should be the employee’s decision.”

In the court case, the Green family, which owns Hobby Lobby, argued being forced to provide IUDs and the morning after pill, required under the Affordable Care Act, went against its evangelical Christian beliefs, equating those treatments to abortion. In July, the Supreme Court ruled that “closely held” companies — meaning five or fewer people own 50% or more of a company — can refuse to cover contraception if it conflicts with religious beliefs.

But in the midst of the small protest stood an even smaller counter-protest. Trudy Sietsema and a neighbor stood across from the protesters, showing their support for the chain. A man in a black SUV waved to the protesters on her left and as he passed Sietsema, glared at her and raised his middle finger.

“Why should I be forced to pay for your choice?” Sietsema asked. “I’ve got to be supportive, even if I’m the only one here.”

Maya Paley, director of legislative and community engagement for the National Coalition of Jewish Women’s Los Angeles chapter, said she hopes the Supreme Court’s decision doesn’t encourage other corporations to follow suit.

“We hope this raises awareness and makes them aware,” Paley said. “It’s not about sides. It’s about choice.”