Obamacare: The Continued Assault on Religious Liberty in America

The Obama Administration con tinues its attack on reli- gious liberty through its Man- date involving the new Pa- tient Protection and Affordable Care Act (often referred to as Obamacare). (See “The Obama Healthcare Mandate: An Attack on Religious Liberty,” Redeeming the Time, Volume 4, Number 2, Spring 2012, 2.) All businesses are being required to of- fer abortion-inducing drugs in their employee health plans, or face steep fines.

Thankfully, a federal judge has recently ruled that the government must give further exceptions to reli- gious organizations. The case had been brought by Wheaton College and Belmont Abbey College.

Sadly, businesses owned by Chris- tians have not fared so well in suits they have filed for relief. Rulings in these cases have placed faulty, un- equal and unjust restrictions as to whom Constitutional protections will be granted. The First Amendment, which applies to ALL AMERICAN CITIZENS, has been grossly violated.

Of particular significance are two recent rulings against Hobby Lobby. The Green family, which built this successful chain of craft stores over the last 40 years, are devout Chris- tians.

It is very troubling that Christian citizens and institutions are being forced to spend millions of dollars to defend their God-given liberties from the advances of the U.S. government.

As we go to press, Hobby Lobby is slated to be fined $1.3 million PER DAY, unless the owners violate their consciences. Pray that an appeal filed with the U.S. Supreme Court will be heard and freedom will be restored.