Photo: FLLewis/Media City G — Protesters waved signs and chanted near the parking lot entrance to the Hobby Lobby in Burbank July 9, 2014
The new Hobby Lobby in Burbank was the scene of not one but two demonstrations late yesterday. On the sidewalk, near the entrance to the parking lot, a group of demonstrators gathered with protest signs.They’re upset with the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, which allows Hobby Lobby to opt out of providing certain contraceptives through the company’s employee health insurance plan. The evangelical Christian family who own the national chain claim birth control like “I-U-Ds” and “morning-after” pills go against their pro-life religious beliefs.
Jan Hines of North Hollywood said she had to “come out” and “stand-up” because “… they keep chipping away with (at) women’s rights.” Burbank resident, Rosalie Savato, carried a “Hobby Lobby Hates Women” sign. Savato believes that by “taking away (certain) contraceptives,” which prevent pregnancy,”they (Hobby Lobby) are really pro-abortion.”
Photo: FLLewis/Media City G- Burbank resident Rosalie Savato took part in an anti-Hobby Lobby protest in Burbank July 9, 2014
They were few in numbers, less than a dozen, but they got a lot of attention. A lot of motorists driving on North Victory Boulevard cheered or honked their horns in solidarity. Not everyone was thrilled with the protest. Burbank resident, Allen Alvarado, was so put off by the demonstration that he started his own — in support of the craft and home decor chain — at the front door of the Burbank Hobby Lobby.
Alvarado admits he felt in love with Hobby Lobby stores back when he lived in Illinois. The 18 year-old college music student called the anti-protest “ridiculous” and “much to do about nothing.” He bought materials from the Burbank store and created a sign that said: “I Give a Craft About Hobby Lobby.” The way Alvarado sees it: “Hobby Lobby’s viewpoints are their own and they have a right to them”
Alvarado said the reaction to his one-man demonstration from shoppers was positive: “I’ve gotten ‘high-fives,’ cheers, laughs — all good stuff.”
Photo: FLLewis/Media City G — Allen Alvarado demonstrated in support of the Burbank Hobby Lobby at 641 North Victory Boulevard July 9, 2014
Anti-Hobby Lobby protest organizer, Cheryl Holt, believes the high court decision is monumental. The full-time author has spent many hours marching in front of the Burbank Hobby Lobby, before and after its soft opening on July 4. Holt says she’s “really worried” about the ramifications of the high court ruling. Also, she thinks it’s hypocritical of Hobby Lobby to buy so much of its products from China — a country that has openly used abortion to control its population.
Photo: FLLewis/Media City G – Protest organizer Cheryl Holt on North Victory Boulevard in front of the Burbank Hobby Lobby July 9, 2014
Since it opened its doors last Friday, there have been several protests against the U.S. Supreme Court ruling at this Hobby Lobby. Another protest is planned for this Saturday, July 12, at 1 p.m.
