Burwell v. Hobby Lobby

Definition

Burwell v. Hobby Lobby is a landmark Supreme Court case from 2014 that addressed the issue of religious freedom and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The case specifically focused on whether closely held for-profit corporations could be exempt from providing certain contraceptive coverage in their employee health insurance plans based on the religious beliefs of their owners. This decision highlighted the balance between corporate rights and individual religious freedoms, drawing significant attention to the implications of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that Hobby Lobby could refuse to provide contraceptive coverage based on its owners' religious beliefs.
2. This case was significant as it set a precedent for how for-profit corporations can assert religious rights under the RFRA.
3. The ruling specifically applied to closely held corporations, affecting many family-owned businesses in terms of health care obligations.
4. The decision raised ongoing debates about the intersection of religious liberty and women's rights, particularly concerning access to contraception.
5. Following this case, many states began to consider legislation regarding religious exemptions in health care and other business practices.

Review Questions

• How did Burwell v. Hobby Lobby impact the interpretation of religious freedom for corporations?
  • Burwell v. Hobby Lobby significantly expanded the interpretation of religious freedom to include closely held for-profit corporations, allowing them to assert religious beliefs as a basis for refusing certain healthcare provisions mandated by federal law. The Supreme Court's decision underscored that corporate entities could have rights similar to individuals when it comes to exercising religion, raising important discussions about the implications for corporate governance and individual rights.
• Analyze how the ruling in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby aligns with or challenges the principles established by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
  • The ruling in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby aligned with the principles of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by reinforcing that laws cannot substantially burden a person's exercise of religion unless there is a compelling governmental interest and the least restrictive means are used. In this case, the Court found that requiring Hobby Lobby to provide contraceptive coverage imposed a substantial burden on its owners' religious beliefs without sufficiently compelling justification from the government, thus upholding RFRA's protections.
• Evaluate the broader implications of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby on women's rights and healthcare access in the United States.
  • The Burwell v. Hobby Lobby decision has significant implications for women's rights and healthcare access by potentially limiting access to contraception through employer-sponsored health plans. By allowing employers to opt out of providing specific healthcare services based on religious beliefs, the ruling has sparked ongoing debates about reproductive rights and women's autonomy over their own health decisions. This case has also prompted various state legislatures to consider new laws that balance religious freedoms with healthcare obligations, highlighting the continuing tension between these two important societal issues.

Related terms

Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA): A federal law enacted in 1993 aimed at preventing laws that substantially burden a person's free exercise of religion.

Affordable Care Act (ACA): A comprehensive healthcare reform law enacted in 2010 aimed at increasing health insurance coverage and reducing healthcare costs in the United States.

Closely Held Corporation: A type of corporation where a small number of shareholders own the majority of the company, typically allowing for more control over corporate decisions.