Administrators at Truett McConnell University (TMU) in Cleveland are hailing a U.S. Supreme Court opinion seeking a compromise in the ongoing battle over federal healthcare mandates.
A number of religious groups across the country, including TMU, are listed as plaintiffs in a case.
At issue, whether these groups can be exempt from having to pay for, or indirectly allow, birth control and other reproductive coverage in their health plans. The Supreme Court did not rule on the merits of the case, but rather, sent it back to the appeals courts to decide.
In its unanimous unsigned opinion, the high court tried to mediate, suggesting that the government could arrange to provide coverage to the religious groups’ female workers without requiring any notice or other action from the groups. Such a solution would likely require new federal regulations.
Both sides said they were pleased.
Truett McConnell University President Dr. Emir Caner lauded the decision in an email to the schools’ Board of Visitors:
“It is with incredible joy that I have the privilege to tell you we have won our Supreme Court case. After a six-year battle for life and liberty, the Supreme Court has ruled in our favor and we cannot be fined for standing for life. I know you will rejoice with me in this monumental day. Thank you for standing shoulder-to-shoulder for the next generation. Only time will tell how our stance impacted heaven.”
For now, the government can take steps to insure women covered by the groups’ health plans have access to cost free contraceptives.
Some legal analysts say the Supreme Court’s decision not to decide the case suggests the high court lacks a majority for a significant ruling. It is perhaps another example of how the justices have been affected by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.
