This is pretty big news. One of the many parts of Obama’s failure thus far is the administration’s almost complete disregard for religious liberties.
When Hobby Lobby objected to the HHS mandate to provide all forms of birth control. Hobby Lobby is specifically opposed to being forced to provide coverage for Ulipristal, aka ‘Ella’ as opposed to every day birth control pills and even ‘Plan B’ which is not considered an abortifacient. The administration responded, “Tough. Do it or pay millions in fines.”
This decision works in their favor:
A federal judge is temporarily exempting Hobby Lobby Inc. from a provision in the new federal health care law that requires it to offer insurance coverage for the morning-after pill and similar birth control or face steep fines.
After hearing brief arguments Friday, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton issued a preliminary injunction for the Oklahoma arts and crafts chain. The judge stayed the case until Oct. 1 to give the federal government time to consider an appeal.
The Christian owners of Hobby Lobby and the Mardel Christian bookstore chain argue that their religious beliefs are so deeply rooted that having to provide every form of birth control would violate their conscience.
The hearing comes several weeks after a federal appellate court ruled Hobby Lobby was likely to win its case.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out and how the Obama administration responds.