WASHINGTON (CNS) — A coalition of nearly 200 Catholic dioceses, agencies and businesses has asked a federal court in Oklahoma to block enforcement of a Department of Health and Human Services mandate that it says would force its members to violate their religious beliefs.
Under the banner of the recently formed Catholic Benefits Association, the entities contended in a class action lawsuit filed March 12 that the mandate’s requirement that they provide health insurance coverage for contraceptive drugs, abortifacients, surgical sterilizations and related counseling is contrary to the First Amendment’s free exercise, establishment and free speech clauses.
The mandate — under rules issued by HHS — requires nearly all employers to provide such coverage for their employees in their company health plan. It includes a narrow exemption for some religious employers that fit certain criteria.
The lawsuit said the regulations under the Affordable Care Act are discriminatory because some religious entities and ministries are exempt while others are not.
The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma seeks a preliminary injunction to block the mandate as it applies to association members.
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