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Office Depot Apologizes for Blocking Religious Flyer

09-13-2015
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The CEO of Office Depot has apologized after an Illinois store refused to print religious flyers for a customer.

Maria Goldstein wanted to print flyers about a prayer meeting, including a call to pray for Planned Parenthood.

The flyer included facts about abortion and Planned Parenthood's role in providing the majority of abortions in America.

It also called for an end to abortion in America and for Planned Parenthood workers to become Christians.

Goldstein says the handout is part of a weeklong prayer and fasting campaign that aims to change opinions on abortion.

"The intention of the prayer is to ask for conversion," she said. "The conversion of the staff, employees, everybody who is part of this at Planned Parenthood. It means they will recognize life has dignity and that it is valuable and not a commodity to be bought and sold."

Office Depot originally said the flyers are 'hate speech' and stood by the store's refusal to print them.

So Goldstein connected with the Thomas More Society for legal aid. The group's attorney Tom Olp said this case serves as an important reminder for all Americans.

"We are grateful that Office Depot has apologized for discriminating against Maria Goldstein based on the content of her flyers. This situation is a reminder that religious liberty is increasingly under attack today, but it is a fundamental American right that every one of us should value and defend," he said.

In a press release, Goldstein thanked the group for protecting her rights as a Christian. "I hope other people are empowered to stand up for their religious freedom, as well," she said.

As the Thomas More Society challenged Office Depot's decision, CBN anchor Lorie Johnson spoke with attorney Thomas Olp, before the company apology. Click play to see that interview.

You can read Office Depot's original letter to the Thomas More Society here.

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