Republican lawmakers in Indiana are praising the Supreme Court’s ruling that the contraception coverage mandate resulting from the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional for family-owned companies like Hobby Lobby.
The court ruled 5-4 in favor Monday on lawsuits filed by the craft retailer and also Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. The owners of both companies have religious objections to providing some contraceptives.
The decision states companies like Hobby Lobby cannot be forced to offer employees birth control if they object to it on religious grounds.
Sen. Dan Coats (R-Indiana) said, “Freedom of religion is a core American principle guaranteed by the First Amendment, and today the Supreme Court affirmed that this administration cannot pick and choose when to adhere to the Constitution.”
“While I celebrate today’s ruling, religious freedom remains under attack across our country. Whether it is faith-based Hoosier food banks and homeless shelters or the University of Notre Dame, we are seeing the free exercise of religion constrained and restricted in too many instances. I will continue to stand up for these fundamental rights.”
Congressman Luke Messer (R-Indiana) weighed in on the ruling stating, “Today’s decision is a significant victory for religious freedom. This ruling means that the Federal government can’t force those who own and operate family-run businesses to choose between following their faith or complying with a law that is inconsistent with their religious beliefs.
“I’m glad to see the court calling balls and strikes and protecting every American’s individual liberty from executive overreach.”
