Some folks see this sharply-divided Supreme Court decision as a WIN for “freedom of religion”, but it’s just the opposite! If corporations are people and businesses can hold religious views under federal law, this decision sets the precedent that ANY business owner can object, on religious grounds, to all kinds of medical treatments and limit what their group insurance will cover for their employees. Monday’s ruling was the resolution of the Hobby Lobby case (excluding four pregnancy-prevention methods and devices) ; “Tuesday’s orders apply to companies owned by Catholics, who oppose all contraception”. It’s hard to believe that in 2014 this decision is handed down — that businesses and bosses can dictate what kinds of birth control women can receive, if any, and opens precedent for other religions to refuse their employees blood transfusions, surgeries, and other necessary medical treatments. Freedom OF religion, constitutionally, also embraces “freedom FROM religion”, that those of us who don’t subscribe to other’s religious views need not be subject to them. I don’t wish to follow Catholic, Mormon, Muslim, or Scientologist’s edicts.
Jul 3 2014
What’s the significance of the SCOTUS decision allowing some companies with religious objections to avoid requirements in the AFA?
Some folks see this sharply-divided Supreme Court decision as a WIN for “freedom of religion”, but it’s just the opposite! If corporations are people and businesses can hold religious views under federal law, this decision sets the precedent that ANY business owner can object, on religious grounds, to all kinds of medical treatments and limit what their group insurance will cover for their employees. Monday’s ruling was the resolution of the Hobby Lobby case (excluding four pregnancy-prevention methods and devices) ; “Tuesday’s orders apply to companies owned by Catholics, who oppose all contraception”. It’s hard to believe that in 2014 this decision is handed down — that businesses and bosses can dictate what kinds of birth control women can receive, if any, and opens precedent for other religions to refuse their employees blood transfusions, surgeries, and other necessary medical treatments. Freedom OF religion, constitutionally, also embraces “freedom FROM religion”, that those of us who don’t subscribe to other’s religious views need not be subject to them. I don’t wish to follow Catholic, Mormon, Muslim, or Scientologist’s edicts.
By spiritspeak • Community Roundtable 0