Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer said during a press conference on July 10 that Americans, who disagree with the contraception mandate under Obamacare, must choose between living by their faith and forming a corporation to run a business.

“You’re born with a religion or you adopt a religion. You have to obey the precepts of that religion and the government gives you a wide penumbra – you don’t have to form a corporation,” Schumer said.

In the recent Hobby Lobby ruling, the Supreme Court ruled that a closely-held family business could not be compelled by the government to violate their religious beliefs by providing employees with insurance coverage for drugs and devices that lead to abortion. According to Schumer, the court failed to apply the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 accurately.

“When we wrote RFRA back in 1993, we did so to protect individuals with strong religious beliefs and give them the presumption they have always enjoyed. That they should be able to exercise their religious beliefs without interference from the government…. The court took that and applied it – misapplied it – to for-profit companies who exist for the purpose of benefitting from the open market, working in the marketplace under our laws…. We wouldn’t tell the owners of Hobby Lobby to convert to a different religion or disobey their religion - but we don’t say that they have to open up a company and go sell toys or hobby kits,” Schumer said.

Schumer shared his thoughts at a press conference that was organized to promote the Protect Women’s Health from Corporate Interference Act. This particular bill, which is being lobbied by the Democrats, aims to compel employers to abide by the contraception mandate under Obamacare, a move that will automatically reverse the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Hobby Lobby.

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