Supreme Court rules in favor of Hobby Lobby on contraception mandate

The U.S. Supreme Court today voted 5-4 in favor of Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. in a case arguing the contraceptive mandate of the Affordable Care Act is unlawful.

In the case, Hobby Lobby argued the mandate violated its owner's right to religious freedom and the company's Christian culture, according to the Supreme Court ruling.

The decision on Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores and Conestoga Wood Specialties v. Burwell essentially protects family-owned corporations from having to pay for contraception under their health care plans.

“Today, the nation’s highest court has reaffirmed the vital importance of religious liberty as one of our country’s founding principles," said Barbara Greene, Hobby Lobby co-founder, in a statement. "The court’s decision is a victory, not just for our family business, but for all who seek to live out their faith."

Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and Rep. Billy Long, R-Mo., hailed the ruling.

In separate releases, the Missouri legislators said the ruling was a win for religious freedom, as protected by the First Amendment.

"Americans should not be forced to choose between giving up their business for their faith or giving up their faith for their business," Blunt said in a statement.

Long added: "Today, the court ruled the president’s health care law goes too far in attempting to force Americans to check their religious beliefs at the door.”

Opponents of Hobby Lobby have said a ruling in the company's favor would force women to pay for contraceptives, among other issues, according to ABC News.

Hobby Lobby operates two stores in Springfield, at 1717 W. Kearney St. and 1535 E. Battlefield Road. A Mardel store also operates at 1533 E. Battlefield Road. Founded by a former Hobby Lobby CEO, Mardel operates its headquarters at the Hobby Lobby complex in Oklahoma City.