Written by Don Byrd
One of the most outspoken plaintiffs challenging the contraceptive mandate on religious liberty grounds is asking the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals to hear its case and rule by July 1, before fines begin to pile up. The Oklahoman reports:
U.S. Justice Department attorneys defending the federal government in Hobby Lobby’s lawsuit are not expected to oppose Hobby Lobby’s motion to speed up the legal process, Duncan said.
In court documents filed Thursday, Hobby Lobby said it would begin incurring massive fines July 1 for failing to comply with a federal mandate that is part of the Affordable Care Act that requires it to pay for emergency contraceptives.
The Appeals Court has already denied Hobby Lobby’s request to overturn the trial court’s decision not to issue an injunction against enforcement of the mandate. If they agree to speed up the process, Hobby Lobby’s case could be on track to be the first heard by the Supreme Court, which will eventually settle the dispute over the rights of secular businesses to be exempt on religious grounds.
