http://ohioca.org
July 1, 2014
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the HHS mandate in the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare. In its 5-4 decision, the court reaffirmed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RRFA)of 1993, which provides for very broad protection of religious liberty. Justice Samuel Alito wrote in his majority opinion, over a dissent from the four liberal justices, that forcing companies to pay for methods of women's contraception to which they object violates RRFA. Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Woods, plaintiffs in the case, faced huge fines under Obamacare's penalties if they did not comply with the mandate to provide contraceptives and abortifacient drugs for their employees in the company's health care plan. With this decision, neither the Green family, owners of Hobby Lobby Stores, nor the Hahn family, owners of Conestoga Wood Specialties, are required to fund abortion-inducing pills through their company insurance plan.
The Green Family, Owners of Hobby Lobby Stores, risked all that they had worked for over the years to take a stand for right and conscience and religious liberty. The following is a statement released by the family:
"Our family is overjoyed by the Supreme Court's decision. Today the nation's highest court has re-affirmed the vital importance of religious liberty as one of our country's founding principles. The Court's decision is a victory, not just for our family business, but for all who seek to live out their faith. We are grateful to God and to those who have supported us on this difficult journey." Barbara Green, co-founder/owner of Hobby Lobby
