Our religious freedom got a strong defense at the Supreme Court today. Not only from the attorneys involved inside the courtroom, but from the hundreds of supporters who took time out of their busy lives to stand up for freedom outside the Court. Concerned Women for America (CWA) was there enduring the snow, rain and cold weather to send a clear message that conservative women value religious freedom.
Speaking at a press conference outside the Court, CWA President and CEO Penny Nance quoted James Madison who said, “Our conscience is the most sacred of all property.” Mrs. Nance said the government in this case is violating one of our most basic rights and said she hoped for a swift victory for these families and for liberty. “We’re here to protect everyone’s conscience,” she said, “even those women over there,” pointing toward those supporting the mandate.
Also speaking at the rally outside the Court was Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) who eloquently laid out the fact that the Obama has granted exemptions to many of his supporters, including big business and even congress, concluding, “And yet the position of this administration is that people of faith do not deserve an exemption, people of faith do not have a right to practice their faith.” Cruz also predicted a victory for Hobby Lobby, Conestoga Wood and religious liberty.
Inside the courtroom, Paul Clement represented the two families, the Greens of Hobby Lobby and the Hahns of Conestoga Woods, alongside attorneys from the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and the Alliance Defending Freedom. A more complete analysis of oral arguments will be forthcoming, but for now we can say that the majority of Justices were receptive to the arguments for religious freedom and skeptical of the government’s actions.
Thank you for standing with Concerned Women for America and for religious liberty!