hobby lobby
Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Overview
Background: Hobby Lobby is a religiously centered company that adheres to Christian values. They were involved in a lawsuit due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Insurance Coverage Dispute
Hobby Lobby offered insurance covering most forms of birth control.
The company refused to cover emergency contraceptives (e.g., Plan B, Ella) and IUDs, believing their properties can induce abortions.
The owners argue their religious beliefs prohibit funding contraceptive drugs/devices that end human life post-conception.
Legal Issue
Core Question: Do for-profit companies have the right to exercise religious freedom under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993?
RFRA asserts that the government cannot substantially burden a person's exercise of religion, even with rules of general applicability.
RFRA was established to provide protections for individuals' religious practices.
Rules of General Applicability
Rules of general applicability apply to everyone without favoring one religion over another.
Example: Municipal rules for public parades are generally applicable; they apply to all and cannot discriminate among different religious expressions.
Court's Interpretation of RFRA
Congress intended RFRA to also apply to corporations since they are composed of individuals.
The court recognized the contraception mandate creates a substantial burden on Hobby Lobby's religious practices.
The government's interest in the contraceptive requirement was deemed not compelling enough to override Hobby Lobby's religious beliefs.
Court's Holding
The court argued that a less restrictive method exists—similar exemption given to non-profit religious organizations.
Hobby Lobby should also have the same exemption as non-profits (like Seton Hall University) to opt out of providing certain contraceptives.
Conclusion: There is no compelling reason to distinguish between for-profit and non-profit religious organizations regarding these exemptions.