Written by Don Byrd
In an editorial this morning, the NYTimes takes on the issue of religious freedom in the contraception mandate. Many employers have argued – and one appeals court has agreed – that requiring them to provide health coverage that includes contraception violates their religious freedom rights. With the exemptions in place for houses of worship and other religious institutions, the Times editorial board says religious freedom is not the issue:
Allowing employees to make independent decisions to obtain contraceptives does not violate anyone’s religious freedom. If the Supreme Court takes up these cases, it should soundly reject the warped view that some employers can get out of complying with the new law, and in effect use their religious beliefs to discriminate against women.
This issue has yet to get to the Supreme Court, but it shouldn’t be long now.
