Senate Filibuster of Hobby Lobby Fix Bill Shows Continuing Disregard for Women's Health

Rabbi Saperstein: "The women of America deserve more than to have their rights thwarted by a filibuster, and we hope that the Senate will revisit this legislation in the coming weeks and months. We now call urgently on the leaders in the House of Representatives to bring this bill to a vote as soon as possible."

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WASHINGTON, D.C., July 17, 2014 - In response to the Senate's filibuster of the "Protect Women's Health from Corporate Interference Act" (S. 2578) yesterday, Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:

We are disappointed that the Protect Women's Health from Corporate Interference Act was filibustered in the Senate by a vote of 56-43. This bill was an important step towards lifting the obstacles many American women will now face in accessing contraceptive coverage as a result of the Supreme Court's decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby. The women of America deserve more than to have their rights thwarted by a filibuster, and we hope that the Senate will revisit this legislation in the coming weeks and months. We now call urgently on the leaders in the House of Representatives to bring this bill to a vote as soon as possible.

In the weeks following the dismaying ruling in Hobby Lobby, we commend the Senate and House for taking swift action to ensure that women do not lose access to critical contraceptive care because of their employers' religious objection. We note that this bill maintains the accommodation and exemption for religious non-profits and houses of worship, acknowledging the importance of balancing individual rights and religious freedom. As supporters of a robust interpretation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and as long-time champions of women's equality, we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that our nation remains a beacon of religious liberty, and that women's health is never compromised.