US Supreme Court ruling draws strong reactions

A controversial U.S. Supreme Court decision is drawing strong reactions from both sides.

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court made a key ruling exempting some businesses from part of the Affordable Care Act. It impacts Hobby Lobby and other closely-held companies where 50 percent of stock is owned by five or fewer people.

Under the Affordable Care Act, employers’ health care plans must include free birth control coverage. Hobby Lobby was opposed to providing four of the 20 methods of birth control mandated in the law, because they involve ending the viability of a pregnancy after conception. Its owners said it violated their religious views. Monday’s Supreme Court decision says some companies have religious rights and won’t have to provide the free birth control.

In a video posted on the Hobby Lobby website, the company’s co-founders responded to the ruling.

“We are truly thankful for the decision that allowed us to continue operating our business according to our principles,” Barbara Green said.

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains also reacted to the decision.

“We are deeply disappointed and troubled at the outcome of this decision, because it means that some bosses will be able to interfere with their employees’ access to birth control,” said president and CEO Vicki Cowart.

Reactions among people in Colorado Springs were split.

“I think that it’s really really sad for the future of our country when women are excluded in this way from medical care,” Geraldine Lowenherz said.

“I am a strong women’s rights supporter, and i don’t believe that it goes against women’s rights. I think that in this country, you can get any care that you really want,” Nancy Theken said.

U.S. Sens. Michael Bennett and Mark Udall issued statements denouncing the Supreme Court’s decision. Congressman Doug Lamborn issued a statement applauding it.