Politics & Government
SD County Politicians Comment on Hobby Lobby Decision
"The Supreme Court sacrificed justice and freedom today when it said that private business owners could impose their religious beliefs on their employees..." said Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins.
The Supreme Court ruled Monday that family-owned corporations don’t have to insure contraceptives if they interfere with their religious beliefs.
Obama’s Affordable Care Act had required companies to cover birth control under their insurance plans, but the high court said that rule violated a 1993 federal law protecting religious freedom.
Hobby Lobby, an Oklahoma City-based chain of arts and crafts stores, and Conestoga Wood Specialties, a cabinetmaker in Pennsylvania, challenged the 2010 health reform law. They objected to certain forms of covered birth control, such as the morning-after pill and intrauterine devices.
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Several San Diego lawmakers quickly commented on the decision and it's impact.
Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court decision on Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores:
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“The Supreme Court sacrificed justice and freedom today when it said that private business owners could impose their religious beliefs on their employees and deny women their constitutionally recognized right to comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Not only does this have serious implications for women's health, it also opens the door to employers who want to pick and choose how to treat their employees based upon religion. This is not the principle of religious freedom intended by those who founded our nation and it goes against American's belief in the right of everyone to be treated fairly and equally in the workplace. I am profoundly disturbed by today's ruling.”
Congressman Scott Peters (D-La Jolla) released the following statement:"Today is a sad day for those of us who believe women have the right to make their own health-care and reproductive decisions without interference from their bosses, and for those who believe it's in everyone's interest for women to have access to affordable, safe preventative care. Today's Supreme Court ruling is especially outrageous given the large percentage of women who use birth control pills to treat serious ailments ranging from endometriosis to post-chemotherapy hormone replacement. As a husband, father and long-time advocate for women's rights, I stand with all Americans who find today's ruling hugely disappointing."
—Melinda Carstensen contributed to this report.
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