On the recordJuly 7, 2014
the Supreme Court issued a ruling last week that I wish to discuss for a few moments today. This decision marks a very important development in the ongoing debate our country is engaged in on the subject of religious freedom. In a 5-to-4 decision, the Supreme Court reported that the contraception coverage mandate imposed by the Affordable Care Act on family-owned companies such as Hobby Lobby stores and Conestoga Wood Specialties violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. These two companies are owned by individuals who have faith-based objections to providing access to contraceptives that can terminate a pregnancy. While it is true some faith-based institutions object to the mandate on religious grounds, their insurance companies which are covering them and their employees in that business are mandated to provide support for contraception. It is also true, but not really distinguished and noticed in the media, that there are a number of institutions which are saying: You can't couch this under the umbrella of contraception, you have to understand that what we are opposed to here is not all forms of birth control. Hobby Lobby has been clear to state that they fall under this category, although they oppose the morning-after pill and other contraceptives that induce abortions.…
