The following is a statement from Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3) after the Supreme Court made its final ruling on the Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. case:

“Today is a landmark day for religious freedom in our country. The highest court in the land recognized that Americans will not lose their rights guaranteed by the Constitution if they run a closely-held family business. This decision is incredibly encouraging for America and I am pleased that Americans most basic rights – our rights of conscience and religious freedom will continue to be protected.”

In June, 2013, the Department of Health and Human Services released their final rule regarding contraceptive coverage that proposed a definition of “religious employer” for purposes of the exemption from the contraceptive coverage requirement. The Supreme Court ruling has reversed the rule and employers can opt out of providing contraception coverage under the president’s health-care law.