Blumenthal Speaks Out Against Hobby Lobby Ruling

U.S. Senator Blumenthal has called on Hobby Lobby to offer contraception on its Connecticut workers’ health plans, wfsb reports.

Hobby Lobby, which has an East Haven store on Frontage Road, won a ruling in the Supreme Court last month that states companies do not need to offer all types of contraception on their female workers’ health plans (according to Obamacare stipulations) if to do so would conflict with their religious beliefs.

Blumenthal sent an open letter to Hobby Lobby CEO David Green Monday, citing Connecticut’s historic role in the Griswold v. Connecticut Supreme Court case that established an individual’s right to privacy and right to contraceptives.

“I am calling on Hobby Lobby to provide full contraceptive coverage to its Connecticut employees, adhering to Connecticut’s state laws and its long and proud history of respect for individual rights. No boss should have the power to intervene in an employee’s private health care decision,” Blumenthal told Patch in a statement.

“I am hopeful that Hobby Lobby will do the right thing, but am also realistic. Congress must act to restore workers’ rights to make their own health care decisions.”

MORE: Protestors at East Haven's Hobby Lobby

Blumenthal has co-sponsored legislation that would overturn the recent Supreme Court decision, according to his website.

“The nation’s highest court has re-affirmed the vital importance of religious liberty as one of our country’s founding principles. The Court’s decision is a victory, not just for our family business, but for all who seek to live out their faith,” said Hobby Lobby co-founder Barbara Green (husband to David), in a statement following the Supreme Court ruling.

The White House responded to the Supreme Court ruling by stating "President Obama believes that women should make personal health care decisions for themselves, rather than their bosses deciding for them."

But what do you think? Is Blumenthal right in asking Hobby Lobby to offer full contraceptive plans to female staff? Do you work at Hobby Lobby or another Christian-owned company? How will the ruling affect you?

Let us know in the poll above and the Comments section.