Hartzler on Hobby Lobby decision: I applaud this ruling

(From Fourth District Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler)

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) has released the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Hobby Lobby / Conestoga Wood religious freedoms First Amendment case:

“I am extremely pleased that the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld one of our fundamental Constitutional freedoms - the First Amendment right to practice our religious beliefs without government forcing us to abandon those beliefs for political reasons. The Green family, owners of Hobby Lobby, and the Hahn family, owners of Conestoga Wood, do not want the government to force them to provide health coverage that pays for something they find morally objectionable and an affront to their religious beliefs. This government mandate would have trampled on America's deeply held tradition respecting the freedom of conscience. Companies like Hobby Lobby, Conestoga Wood, and others providing health coverage to their employees will be allowed to continue to do so without having to aid in those practices that they find morally objectionable. I applaud this ruling that upholds America's Constitutional rights and freedoms.”