A federal judge in Colorado has granted an injunction that allows Hercules Industries to refuse to provide health insurance coverage for employees for contraception, embryocides and sterilization. The owner of the company is a Catholic who objects to facilitating the services for religious reasons. Lawyers for the company suggested that the government itself could offer such a plan. The injunction will protect the company pending the outcome of a trial and appeals. [Christian Science Monitor] [Washington Examiner]
Catholic bishops in Philippines urge resistance to controversial bill
Philippines House Majority Leader Rep. Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales II of Mandaluyong has announced that debates will end on the the Reproductive Health bill on 30 July, and there will be a vote in the house on August 7. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is urging Catholics to express their opposition to the bill through protests and novenas. [Philippine Daily Inquirer]
Injunction sought against mandatory insurance for contraception, embryocides, sterilization
The Thomas More Law Center of Ann Arbor, Michigan., has filed an emergency motion asking for a temporary restraining against the new federal requirement that most employers provide insurance to cover contraception, embryocides and sterilization for their employees. The suit was on behalf of Legatus, a major Catholic business organization and Weingartz Supply Co. and its president, Daniel Weingartz, of Ann Arbor. [Politico]
Leader of Alberta party reverses support for freedom of conscience
Danielle Smith, leader of Alberta’s Wildrose Party, has stated that the party will reverse its position on freedom of conscience, instead adopting a policy that health care workers should be forced to facilitate services or procedures to which they object for religious or moral reasons. Her statements have been contested by one of the party’s elected members [Calgary Sun].
Evangelical college joins lawsuit against U.S. federal government
In response to a regulation that requires employers to pay for insurance for contraceptives, embryocides and sterilization, despite moral or religious objections, Wheaton College of Illinois has filed a lawsuit against Department of Health and Human services.