Businesses should not be bullied for employees’ choices

I’m Just Sayin’

by SHEILA SMITH

Fresh out of high school, I needed a job. My mother suggested I apply with one particular business because it was always seeking employees, had three different shifts to choose from and benefits.

“I hate shopping there,” I told my mother. “Why would I want to work there?”

Most people operate this way during job searches, unless, of course, they are in need of immediate employment. If you dislike doing business with a certain company or dislike their policies, you probably would not apply for a job there.

This brings me to today’s topic: business versus Obamacare, specifically, Hobby Lobby.

It is common knowledge that the Lobby is a Christian-owned chain of stores. Not only is the company upfront about its beliefs, but they also close on Sundays, the Christian Sabbath, and play Christian music over stores’ loudspeakers.

Like all businesses of a certain size, especially faith-based businesses, Hobby Lobby is being forced by the government to compromise its beliefs all in the name of Obamacare. The healthcare reforms now require businesses to insure employees with contraceptive and abortion coverage.

Hobby Lobby filed a suit Sept. 12 in U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City, alleging that the Obamacare mandate violates the religious beliefs of the company’s owners. The lawsuit is similar to those filed by Catholic universities and businesses.

There is a small difference in the issues. Hobby Lobby owner David Green is Baptist and typically, Protestant religions do not view the use of birth control as immoral. Green’s stance is that he refuses to provide or pay for abortion-inducing drugs because he believes that life begins at conception.

“The Green family respects every individual’s right to free speech and hopes that others will respect their rights also, including the right to live and do business according to their religious beliefs,” a statement from the family’s attorney read.

I do not think any business should be forced to compromise its religious beliefs but instead of forcing Obamacare down its throat, here is a simple solution to the Lobby issue: Do not apply for a job with a business or company whose beliefs contradict your own.

Simple, right? If you are a recovering alcoholic or someone who believes consuming alcohol is sinful, you probably should not apply for a job at a bar or liquor store. Are you pro-life? Probably not a good idea to apply for a job at an abortion clinic. Vegetarian who believes consuming meat is murder? Do not try to become a server at a steakhouse.

Really, it is common sense.

Before writing this piece, I actually consulted with a friend of mine who identifies herself as a liberal voter, while I am middle-of-the-road. When I explained my view of the Lobby fiasco, she agreed.

“Why would you want to work for a company that stands against your views anyway?” she asked. “That’s your own fault if you choose to work there. After all, Hobby Lobby is only located in larger cities; it’s not the only store or business where you can find a job.”

I could understand Obamacare, or any healthcare mandate, preventing businesses from denying their employees’ basic human or civil rights. However, providing contraceptives or forms of abortion is a personal issue. Businesses do not control their employees’ sex lives, so why should they have to pay for it, especially if they previously informed potential employees of what the business stands for?

Short URL: http://www.jenningsdailynews.net/?p=14304

Posted by Graphic Designer 2 on Sep 26 2012. Filed under Editorial Columns. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.