article_snippet.sent: As Arkansas braced for the possibility that it would become the new religious-freedom ground zero, Wal-Mart, the state's largest for-profit employer, had insisted that the new legislation was a bad idea.
article_snippet.sent: Those objections were unexpected in some corners because the massive big-box chain is seen as a rare bastion of Christian values in a crowded secular marketplace.
article_snippet.sent: The Walton family, the company founders who still own a large stake, are famous for using leadership models culled from Christian service traditions.
article_snippet.sent: Wal-Mart also is known for selling enough Christian-themed books to worry some religious bookstores.
article_snippet.sent: Yet Doug McMillon, Wal-Mart's CEO, signed a statement saying that the 'Religious Freedom Restoration Act'threatens to undermine the spirit of inclusion present throughout the state of Arkansas and does not reflect the values Wal-Mart proudly uphold.' '
article_snippet.sent: Every day in Wal-Mart stores, Wal-Mart see firsthand the benefits diversity and inclusion have on Wal-Mart associates, customers and communities Wal-Mart serve,' McMillon said.