Dioceses, hospitals sue over Obama administration birth control mandate

5/21/2012
ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — Dozens of Roman Catholic dioceses, schools and other institutions are suing the Obama administration over a mandate that most employers provide birth control coverage.

The lawsuits filed in federal courts around the country Monday represent the largest push against the mandate since President Barack Obama announced the policy in January.

Many faith leaders say the requirement violates religious freedom. The original exemption for religious groups allowed houses of worship to opt-out, but keeps the requirement in place for religiously affiliated charities.

Obama offered to soften the rule so that insurers would pay for birth control instead of religious groups. However, the bishops say the accommodation doesn’t go far enough.

Among those suing are the University of Notre Dame, the Archdioceses of Washington and Michigan and the Catholic University of America.