Hobby Lobby won’t have to pay millions in fines as it challenges federal birth-control rule

DENVER – Hobby Lobby stores won’t have to start paying millions of dollars in fines next week for not complying with the federal birth-control coverage mandate.

A federal appeals court in Denver ruled Thursday that the Oklahoma City-based arts and crafts chain can move forward with its case, but it won’t be subject to fines as the case proceeds.

The U.S. 10th Circuit also sent back some issues to an Oklahoma court to work out.

Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. had argued businesses — not just religious groups — should be allowed to seek an exception if the law violates their religious beliefs.

More than 30 businesses in several states have challenged the contraception mandate. Hobby Lobby’s case is the first to be decided by a federal appeals court.

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