Hobby Lobby vs Sebelius:
Issue: The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 provides that “ (a) In general Government shall not substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section.” The exceptions are “ is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.” The question being asked is does this allow a for-profit corporation the ability to exempt itself from the contraceptive coverage mandated by the Affordable Care Act? Click here to read over the RFRA yourself. Hobby Lobby: The Hobby Lobby is a chain of 640 arts and craft stores based in Oklahoma city and owned by the Green family. The Green family came to file their suit because they discovered that the Hobby Lobby’s insurance plan covered some emergency contraceptives that were provided by the ACA. The Green Family is Baptist and providing drugs or devices that end life after conception goes against their belief that ending life after conception is murder. Although they do not disagree with other provisions of the health care law, following their faith would cause them to receive fines of approximately 1.3 million dollars a day. They do not believe the government has the right to make them choose between receiving a fine and following a law that goes against their beliefs. |
McCutcheon vs FEC
Issue: After the Watergate scandal changes were made to the Federal Election Campaign Act in 1974 that created the FEC along with aggregate limits. The FEC along with the limits were created to enforce campaign finance regulations. McCutcheon wants these limits removed. Shaun McCutcheon: McCutcheon is a conservative who gives thousands of dollars to political candidates. In fact, he would have given even more money if there was not an aggregate limit. He believes this is a violation of the first amendment and that an individual should be able to give as much as he pleases to political parties and candidates. He is a chairman of a Super PAC and an elected member of the Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee. |