Activists from around the country, from pro-life groups to Tea Party Patriots, plan to be on-hand on Tuesday for a rally opposing the HHS mandate as the Supreme Court begins to hear arguments in Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. v. Sebelius.
“This case has always been about religious liberty. At its heart it’s about … whether the government can force its citizens that profess a certain faith to violate their most deeply held beliefs when they enter the marketplace,” says Ashley McGuire, senior fellow with The Catholic Association.
At issue is whether the mandate’s requirement of coverage for abortifacients, sterilization, and contraception violates the First Amendment’s freedoms of religion and speech. Opponents say it will force companies to cover procedures and products they find immoral, whereas the government says there is a compelling interest to impose these requirements.
