Judicial branch upheld religious freedom
In regard to your recent editorial, “Hobby Lobby ruling dangerous” (July 9): The recent ruling of the Supreme Court in the Hobby Lobby case was far from “terrifying.” What is terrifying is the overreach of the federal government, as in many mandates in the Affordable Health Care Act. The judicial branch upheld the right of religious freedom, albeit in a narrowly defined context.
You state that “it should not be up to one’s boss which medical procedures and prescriptions are available to them.” Later in the editorial, you state “we feel that companies have no business dictating that its employees practice a certain set of religious guidelines inside or outside of the workplace.” I agree, and the court’s decision established no such rights! It should be noted that 16 different medications that prevent conception are covered by Hobby Lobby’s health insurance. Employees of Hobby Lobby can still obtain four abortifacient drugs if they so choose. The court upheld Hobby Lobby’s right not to have to pay for drugs that produce an early abortion – something anathema to their religious faith.
Most of us have “formularies” of the medications that our insurance carriers will cover – often in differing tiers. If a medication is not on the formulary, we still have the option to purchase the medication.
I am amoung the many who are grateful for this small victory for religious freedom.
Patricia Bennett
Bethel Park