The Hobby Lobby Decision and Why it is Against Women's Rights

            It truly saddens me to see that the Supreme Court permitted Hobby Lobby to restrict access to emergency contraception. Apparently, the owners of Hobby Lobby view emergency contraception as a type of abortion and therefore feel that they should not have to provide it. With the recent Supreme Court decision, personal ideals and contorted religious beliefs have trampled over sexual freedom and human rights.

            I believe that many of us understand that many are against abortion. I believe that some of us understand that some are against contraception. But I find it hard to believe that some can refuse to provide contraception because of their own religious beliefs. Providing contraception is a medical necessity and falls within the realm of providing healthcare and help. The owners of Hobby Lobby view the contraception as a religious sin. However, as it is not an illegal act, should they be allowed to restrict it?

            The desire of businesses to force their employees or others to accept and follow their beliefs is as ridiculous as it is against the foundation of liberty and freedom. If one is against emergency contraception, let them be against it and not take it. But if one is against contraception, it does not mean that they have the right to restrict the access to others. That would be similar to if I worked in a grocery store but refused to tell people where the meats are or sell meat to others because I am a vegetarian. I am, in fact, not a vegetarian. But the point is clear. I can chose not to eat meat. I can even ADVOCATE that others do the same. But I cannot make businesses stop selling meat or refuse to sell meat if I am employed there just because I don’t want them to.

            The far right has continuously pushed for controls on contraception, abortion, women’s rights, and sexual freedom. Much of the discussion in the 2012 primaries for the Republican Party was about the supposed moral decay that they believe is evident in the lack of marriage and the rise in sexual activity amongst younger people. It is not even the consequences that many claim they are against. The far right is against the very act of having sex before marriage and is against the idea behind contraception (that sex can be fun and for something else than making children).

            The Supreme Court has disappointed me as they seem to be moving against the American people, against common sense, and against reality. What does restricting contraception do for these people? Does it make the country more religious and the people less likely to have sex before marriage? No. Does it satisfy the religious desires of those who want to impose their beliefs on others? Yes. Does it result in more teen pregnancy and difficulties for my generation? You bet!