Obama Administration Thumbs Nose at Religious Freedom

In a decision that was consistent with their disdain for the US Constitution, the Obama administration has refused to change an Obamacare rule that will require religious universities and hospitals to pay for abortifactants and birth control. The fact that such actions were in stark conflict with the fundamental religious beliefs of these institutions was brushed aside as being inconsequential. In rejecting the appeals, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius camouflaged her position in words meant to convey respect and consideration:

“This decision was made after very careful consideration, including the important concerns some have raised about religious liberty. This proposal strikes the appropriate balance between respecting religious freedom and increasing access to important preventive services.”

Bullocks.

Who is Kathleen Sebelius to say what is appropriate and what is not? Certainly those people that believe abortion is the taking of a life will find the ruling does not reflect consideration, careful or otherwise. Were the rights of these individuals considered? Was the Constitution... by which the Federal government is constrained from abusing the people... was the Constitution considered? It would seem not, except to brush it aside. Despicable behavior, underscored by her disingenuous wording.

The rule is currently being contended by a pair of lawsuits, one filed on behalf of Belmont Abbey College and the second filed by Colorado Christian University of Denver Colorado. Both suits claim a violation of the freedom of religion.

“This is a shameless attempt to kick the can down the road in an election year,” says Hannah Smith, senior legal counsel for The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which is representing both colleges. “Religious colleges, universities, and hospitals will never pay for abortion drugs in violation of their religious beliefs -- this year or any other year.”

The announcement is in direct opposition to the recent Supreme Court decision in which the court upheld the rights of churches to consider the religious beliefs of individuals when selecting their religious leaders. In EEOC v. Hosanna-Tabor the Obama administration’s had argued to the court that the government had the right to to decide whom churches could employ as a minister. The Administrations argument was rejected by the Court... unanimously. Said Smith:

“The administration has seen the writing on the wall. They know that this mandate cannot survive constitutional scrutiny any more than their ‘extreme’ position in Hosanna-Tabor did. So the administration is trying to delay the inevitable judgment day.”

Force it upon the American people is more their style.