
Photo: Politico.com
Hobby Lobby challenged the contraceptive mandate made by the government which required that all employers cover the cost of all contraceptives at no cost to their employees. The Green family, the owners of the arts and crafts chain, Hobby Lobby as well as the Hahns, owners of Conestoga a cabinet making company challenged this mandate saying that it violates their freedom of religion.
They specifically object to four of the drugs included in the Affordable Care Act and object to paying for these drugs and devices saying they violate their faith. Failing to pay for these drugs covered by the Affordable Care Act would result in what they called “ruinous fines.”
The government defended this provision saying that this coverage is essential for women. This case put advocates of religious liberty against women’s rights groups.
What Was The Supreme Court Ruling?
In a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court decided that the regulations imposed by these contraceptive mandates violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The court rejected the governments claim that neither owners nor corporations could bring about a freedom of liberty claim. The Greens and Hahns believe that coverage demanded by the Heath and Human Services regulation is tied to the destruction of an embryo in a way that makes it immoral for them to provide the coverage without going against their religious convictions.
The court also acknowledged that the contraceptive mandate has not been proved by the government to be the least restrictive option for women’s health in furthering the interest and proving it essential for women’s health care.
This ruling deals with a small portion of Obamacare however this is a hit for Obamacare, the administration and its backers. The justices have given Obamacare opponents a political victory.
The Obama Administration and Women’s Health Groups are warning broad implications claiming that employers will see this case as a reason to state they object to vaccines or blood transfusions on religious grounds.
However, supporters praised the decision, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell who is quoted saying, ““the Obama administration cannot trample on the religious freedoms that Americans hold dear.”