Nuns rejoice over Obamacare's contraception mandate Supreme Court ruling
In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, May 16 mandated the lower courts to conduct a review of Obamacare's mandate requiring religious groups to pay for contraceptives that cause abortion.
The Little Sisters of the Poor considered the decision a victory in their fight against being required to pay for insurance that covers birth control, something that is against their faith.
Becket Fund for Religious Liberty attorney Stephanie Barclay said the High Court has decided that the Little Sisters should be protected from such imposition so as not to violate their religious beliefs. She also said that the government stated it can modify its position "to be more respectful of religious liberty."
"The Supreme Court said it's sending this case back and is giving an opportunity for the parties for the government to actually protect the Little Sisters religious beliefs while still offering these services to any woman who wants them. This is a win-win decision that everybody should be able to get behind," Barclay said.
The Supreme Court has ordered the government and the Little Sisters to work out an agreement that will not violate religious freedom. They said the concerned parties should find a solution that "accommodates the petitioners' religious exercise while at the same time ensuring that women covered by petitioners' health plans 'receive full and equal health coverage, including contraceptive coverage."
The Little Sisters nuns are ecstatic over the ruling. Barclay said they had been praying for this for a long time, and the unanimous decision is just what they had been asking for. Barclay also said that the High Court giving a unanimous decision is a reminder that the issue need not be divisive, and religious liberty can be achieved.
Becket Fund senior attorney Mark Rienzi said the Supreme Court ruling shows that advocating for religious freedom can prevail in court.
