The Hobby Lobby case centers on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which was passed in 1993 and states that “no person shall be compelled to participate in or support any act or program of the government which infringes upon his religious beliefs.” The RFRA is a federal law, so the case was heard by the United States Supreme Court.
The Court ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby, stating that the company’s religious beliefs should be respected.
Some have argued that the Hobby Lobby case sends a message to other businesses that they can also refuse to provide health insurance that includes contraception, since contraception is also based on beliefs. Others argue that the Hobby Lobby case simply protects businesses from being forced to provide services they find offensive.
The Court’s ruling in this case does not mean that all forms of contraception are acceptable; it simply recognizes a company’s right to have religious beliefs protected.
