Roman Catholic Institutions Sue Obama Administration Over Contraceptive Mandate

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By Katy Sulhoff

Story Created: May 21, 2012 at 9:05 PM CDT

Story Updated: May 22, 2012 at 3:16 PM CDT

The church and government are at odds.

Roman Catholic organizations across the country are suing the Obama administration over a specific mandate of the healthcare law.

The mandate requires employers to provide coverage for contraceptive methods including birth control and the morning after pill.

Monday, 42 Roman Catholic institutions filed lawsuits in U.S. District Courts around the United States.

They contend the government is trampling on their first amendment right by requiring them to do something against their beliefs.

Churches and houses of worship are exempt, but religious non-profits, schools, and universities are not.

Father Charles Troncale of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Tallassee said the law comes between the church and its ministry.

"The government is defining what is religion and what is not because when they say religion is only within the church, any ministry run by the church, well that's not church. That doesn't come under you directly. We'll tell what you have to do there," Father Troncale said.

If employers do not obey the law, they will be fined.

The constitutionality of the healthcare law in its entirety has already been argued before the U.S. Supreme Court -- a lawsuit in which the State of Alabama participated.

A decision expected in late June should clear up the contraception mandate as well.
    
    

 
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