The following is a statement from Catholic business owner John Kennedy, plaintiff in Autocam v. Sebelius:
“Today, the US Supreme Court has granted review in both the Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp challenges to the HHS Mandate and it will likely hold our case pending its decision. Although we will not get a chance to argue our specific case before the Supreme Court, we are hopeful that the Court will decide in favor of Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp, thus supporting the religious liberty of business owners who oppose the HHS Mandate, including our family.
“The HHS Mandate forces our family to choose between violating the teachings of our faith, canceling our benefits, or paying $16,000,000 in fines that would result in the closure of the company. Because of our Catholic beliefs, we work tirelessly to treat our employees well and provide them with award-winning healthcare benefits. If the mandate stands, we will be forced to make drastic and unwanted changes to our coverage that will place a tremendous burden on our employees and their families.
“In 1993, Congress enacted the Religious Freedom Restoration Act designed to protect religious freedom. As individuals who own and operate a business, this law protects our ability to operate our business according to our conscience, a right which we ask the Court to recognize and uphold. The decision to practice our faith should not be a decision that cripples Autocam, and ultimately, our family’s ability to make a living. A ruling in favor of the protection of religious liberty would allow our family to be both true to ourselves and generous with our employee benefits. Thus, we hope and pray that the Supreme Court of the United States will grant the request for relief of Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp.”