WASHINGTON - In a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court ruled today that the federal government cannot force closely-held businesses to violate sincerely held religious beliefs in order to comply with the contraceptive mandate of the Affordable Care Act.  Senator Lee released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's ruling to protect religious liberty:

"Today's decision in Burwell v Hobby Lobby marks an important victory for religious liberty. Americans do not shed their religious freedoms merely by going into business.  The Court's ruling upholds and strengthens the rights of individuals and the rule of law, while protecting the Constitution."