Supporters Have Optimistic Hopes for Outcome
The United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday in Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores and Conestoga Wood Specialties v. Sebelius.
Under the Affordable Care Act HHS mandate, both Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood face the choice of either paying for pills or procedures that violate their moral beliefs – or paying crippling fines up to $100 per day, per employee. The fines could ultimately cost millions.
Cathy Ruse, attorney affiliated with the Family Research Council who was in the court chambers during arguments said, “The justices showed strong concern for the devastating impact that the HHS mandate would have on religious families who stand up for their conscience.”
She said the justices also acknowledged “that one terrible choice for family businesses is dropping health insurance for all of their employees. However, in these situations the businesses would still face significant fines and employees would lose the plans and doctors that they have come to know and trust.”
Eagle Forum and the Thomas More Society were two of a large number of organizations that filed amicus briefs urging the court to uphold the religious liberties of these business owners who wish to run their companies in accordance with their sincerely held religious beliefs.
Tom Brejcha, president and chief counsel of the Thomas More Society, in a statement to Christian Newswire said, “Freedom of religion has been one of our foundational values and solemn commitments from the very inception of our nation, and we sincerely hope that the Supreme Court will fully protect, rather than diminish, this precious legacy as it is now more vitally needed than ever for the flourishing of our citizens, our families, and the good of our nation.”
