Schaumburg store accused of refusing to copy anti-Planned Parenthood flier

A Schaumburg Office Depot store discriminated against a Rolling Meadows woman for her religious beliefs by refusing to print a flier critical of Planned Parenthood, the Chicago-based Thomas More Society alleged Thursday.

The society argues the refusal is a "blatant violation" of the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance and is threatening to file a complaint with the Cook County Human Rights Commission, the Illinois Department of Human Rights or any other appropriate venue if the store does not make amends.

Authorized representatives of Office Depot could not be immediately reached for comment Thursday.

"Anyone can order printing at Office Depot," Thomas More Society special counsel attorney Thomas Olp said in a written statement. "But because Ms. (Maria) Goldstein's fliers had religious content - namely calling for prayer for Planned Parenthood - Office Depot refused to complete her order. This is a blatant violation of the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance, which forbids public businesses from discriminating based on religion."

According to the Thomas More Society, Goldstein placed her order for printing at the Schaumburg Office Depot on Aug. 20. The flier to be printed states several statistics from Planned Parenthood's 2013-14 annual report, mentioned the organization's harvesting of fetal body parts from abortions, and included a prayer for the religious conversion of Planned Parenthood.

Goldstein told the Thomas More Society that an Office Depot employee informed her the printing of the flier was "restricted by corporate policy" and that her order could not be filled. Though that is the exact wording Goldstein and the Thomas More Society attribute to the Office Depot employee, they argue that the restriction was based on religious grounds.

Goldstein said that's the only interpretation she can make after both store employees and corporate officials declined to define their corporate policy or offer suggestions as to what changes she could make to get the flier printed.

"There was no reason. There was no logic," Goldstein said. "I was just kind of shocked."

She added that only words - not photographs - were intended to be printed in the flier.

Olp said Office Depot's credibility is being damaged by their apparent dual claims that they have a corporate policy and that they allow employees to make their own decisions about whom not to serve.

"That's what made (Goldstein) feel queasy and that they weren't being honest with her," Olp said.

Goldstein said she was able to have the flier printed at the next store she went to - not an Office Depot.

The Thomas More Society describes itself as a not-for-profit law firm that provides pro bono services aimed at restoring respect in law for life, family and religious liberty.

Goldstein said she already knew of the Thomas More Society and thought of them immediately when she felt she was facing religious discrimination.

"I know that they're strong defenders of religious freedom," she said.

Olp said that because Goldstein's flier has already been printed, Office Depot could make amends stating that such discrimination will never happen again. If such a statement is not made within five working days, Olp said he plans to file a complaint with the Cook County Human Rights Commission.