How Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Expanded Corporate Power
In 2014, the Supreme Court ruled in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, deciding that certain businesses could refuse to follow federal laws if those laws conflicted with the owners' religious beliefs. Specifically, the case involved Hobby Lobby, a chain of craft stores whose owners objected to the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that employee health insurance include birth control coverage. The Court’s 5-4 decision said that closely held corporations (those owned by just a few people) could claim religious exemptions, just like individuals.
This ruling had far-reaching consequences, not just for health care but also for corporate power, civil rights, and even elections. It fueled tensions in an already deeply divided America. Here’s why:
Corporate Rights vs. Individual Rights
The decision strengthened the idea that corporations have many of the same rights as individuals. But in this case, the rights of the company’s owners were prioritized over the rights of employees. Critics argued that this gave businesses too much power, allowing them to impose their beliefs on workers and limiting access to contraception, a key part of women’s health care.
The ruling also set a dangerous precedent: If a company could deny birth control coverage based on religious beliefs, what else could they refuse? Could businesses reject coverage for vaccines? Mental health care? LGBTQ+ rights? This case blurred the lines between personal faith and public responsibility, sparking concerns that corporate religious freedom could override individual freedoms.
Expanding Corporate Influence
Burwell v. Hobby Lobby was part of a broader shift toward expanding corporate influence in American life. The ruling built on the controversial Citizens United decision from 2010, which allowed corporations to spend unlimited money in elections under the argument that businesses have free speech rights. Both cases elevated corporate power, reducing the ability of everyday Americans to make their own choices, whether in the workplace or at the ballot box.
When corporations gain more rights, they gain more control—not just over employees, but over society. Wealthy business owners can shape policies in ways that benefit them while making life harder for workers. This deepens economic and social inequality, fueling resentment and division.
Impact on Elections and Political Polarization
The Court’s decision also played into America’s growing political divide. Conservative groups celebrated it as a victory for religious freedom, while progressives saw it as an attack on women’s rights and a sign of corporate overreach. This added fuel to the ongoing culture wars, further splitting Americans into opposing camps.
Politicians and advocacy groups used the ruling to rally their bases. Conservatives framed it as protection against government overreach, while liberals pointed to it as an example of creeping corporate control over personal freedoms. This division made it harder to find common ground, as each side became more entrenched in its views.
The Bigger Picture
The effects of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby go beyond just contraception coverage. It’s part of a larger trend where corporations gain more legal rights at the expense of individuals, especially workers. When business owners can use their personal beliefs to deny services, it weakens protections for employees and chips away at civil rights.
This ruling also shows how the Supreme Court plays a key role in shaping America’s future. Justices serve for life, and their decisions have long-term consequences. Cases like this highlight why elections matter—who we vote for determines who appoints justices, and those justices make decisions that shape our rights for generations.
Corporate Power Over Worker Rights
Burwell v. Hobby Lobby was more than a legal battle over birth control; it was a major victory in the ongoing expansion of corporate power over worker rights. By allowing business owners to impose their personal beliefs on employees' healthcare, the ruling reinforced a pattern where corporations gain more legal protections while workers lose autonomy. This decision set a precedent that further erodes employee rights, widening the power gap between businesses and individuals. As corporate influence continues to grow in law and politics, the struggle to protect worker rights remains an uphill battle.