Faith

MD Gov. Martin O’Malley: There‘s ’A Little Bit Too Much Hyperventilating’ Over Obama Contraceptive Mandate

Gov. Martin OMalley Criticizes Catholic Leaders Over Health Care Mandate

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley (AP)

The battle between the Catholic Church and the Obama administration over a new health care mandate is continuing to heat up. Last week, we told you about some Republican responses. Now, we‘re starting to see Democrats come out against the church’s reaction to the new regulations that would require Christian leaders to violate their conscience. On Sunday, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley (D) accused Catholic leaders of “hyperventilating” over the new regulation.

In an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” O’Malley went on to say that he believes church officials are essentially going too far in their opposition and rhetoric.

“I am Catholic. And I think…there’s been a little bit too much hyperventilating over this issue…this is not about abortion,” he said. “It’s about covering contraception as part of the health care coverage, mandatory, basic coverage.”

Host Candy Crowley pushed him a bit on this statement, as she mentioned the notion that the government will now be telling the Catholic Church how to handle its health care coverage. O’Malley responded:

“Well, there is an exemption for the — for churches themselves. The exemption does not necessarily extend to institutions like hospitals or universities that employ people of all faiths. But these same rules apply in countries like Italy which have overwhelming numbers of Catholics. And yet we did not see the reaction in those countries to these sorts of things.”

Watch this dialogue, below:

White House spokesperson Jay Carney has made similar claims, clearly showcasing that the Obama administration is doubling down on its decision. Last week, Carney said:

“There was extensive and careful consideration as this policy was developed and a decision was made. And the issue here is we want to be sure women, all women, have access to good health care [...]

We want to work with organizations for the next year to help them deal with the implementation of the policy but the decision has been made, and it was made after careful consideration.”

The Catholic Church is pledging to fight the regulation. Anthony Picarello, general counsel for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has called the White House’s information regarding the matter “misleading and wrong.” Additionally, he has said that the bishops will do everything they can to overturn the mandate.

“That means legislation, litigation and public advocacy,” he said. “All options are on the table.”

Comments (85)

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  • CulperGang
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 7:12pm

    Government terrorizing the citizens again. So you still think this is the land of the free?? We all are going to have to be brave. Gov. could be shut down in one week if the people decided to do it, they ahve decided to do it yet, so the government keeps pushing the envelope. 4/15 WHITET HARREL hint.

    Report Post » CulperGang  
    • Marci
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 9:07pm

      Really now? Because the left believes in abortion AS a contraceptive as do their followers.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • Thatsitivehadenough
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 2:02am

      As a Jew, I stand with the Catholic Church on this. This government is out of control and won’t stop until we stop them. It’s not Sweden yet. Or Cuba.

      Report Post » Thatsitivehadenough  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 7:38am

      Thank GOD, literally, we are NOT Italy!!
      You see, Mr Governor, we are a nation, BUILT on religious LIBERTY & FREEDOM.
      I understand those two words may be foreign to you, but, let me assure you they are, in fact, ENGLISH.
      So, when those pillars of OUR society are attacked, our entire society is attacked.
      It undermines the foundation upon which our nation is built!!!!
      You cannot destroy our foundation without destroying our nation.
      Allowing even little bit of destruction places our nation, our society, our union at risk!!
      Allowing a “little” destruction goes WAY beyond the immediate damages.
      It EMBRACES, VALIDATES, LEGITIMIZES, and AUTHORIZES additional destruction!!
      If you allow government to break the bounds of our Constitution, then, our Constitution becomes WORTHLESS.
      This is not a slippery slope argument.
      There is a clear and defined line here.
      Government (obama & his obamacare) are stepping over that line!
      This cannot be. This WILL NOT be!
      We will not be a party to the MURDER of babies who are about to be born!
      We will not murder them. We will not endorse murdering them, and we CERTAINLY will not PAY for others to murder them!
      Abortion pills are still abortions… DIY murder kits.
      As for condoms, birth control pills, etc…
      My brothers and sisters believe that is the same thing, and I respect their faith & their beliefs!!

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
  • tootsie roll
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:45pm

    O’Malley,, Pelosi, reid, Biden CINO
    CATHOLIC’S IN NAME ONLY

    Report Post »  
  • tootsie roll
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:44pm

    wHAT A JOKE I’M A CATHOLIC!!!! ASK THE POPE, I THINK NOT.
    O’Malley is a Catholic like nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden their NOT

    Report Post »  
  • Juniperr
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:35pm

    It is unAmerican to have religious persecution of individuals by the government. Putting a law into place that forces someone to do or promote something that is seriously, morally wrong (contraception) that they believe kills God’s life in the soul and condemns them or others to hell is not what this country is about. Freedom of religion is one of the rights on which this country was founded.
    We will all heal when people stop treating pregnancy like a disease.

    Report Post »  
    • mr molotov cocktail
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:52pm

      and when did religion become business and become pay zero is taxes..if churchs want to get into business pay up or go back just to being religious institutions!
      i am so going after the church on this one!
      you want to do business in the secular world then abide by secular law

      Report Post » mr molotov cocktail  
    • Marine25
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 8:36pm

      @Mr. Molotov
      A very interesting perspective on this issue. I have not heard your argument anywhere else.
      Challenge their tax-exempt status if they want special business considerations? The Church would soon be singing a different hymm.
      Thanks for your post.

      Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 10:14pm

      Mr. Blowup you are such a dingle berry. Christian organization is doing business in a Judeo-Christian nation. You might think we are secular, but that is because you live in a Godless fantasy world.

      I guess separation of church and state only goes one direction with you? It is okay if the government dictates to a Christian organization, but it is not okay when a Christian organization enters into the government. You might fight the Catholic organizations on this, but I will fight you. Get ready to get slam dunked.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • Pharmer1
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 10:48pm

      This is a reply to the replies.
      Planned Parenthood is a non-profit exempted from lobbying regulations and candidate advocacy to which churches have had to adhere.
      If you will agree to impose the same standards on this and other (media matters) leftist groups, I’m fine with it. The church should have avoided taking any government grants for its affiliated non-profits.
      Issue advocacy is not a conflict for non-profits, by the way.
      Also the free speech infringement SELECTIVELY imposed upon non-profits was the result of IRS practice and regulation (NOT LAW) dating from the LBJ administration. Hundreds of preachers have gone against this regulation and sent tapes to the IRS. The IRS is afraid to act because it will lose any court challenges to this non-law, unconstitutional regulation.

      Report Post »  
    • Athanasius
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 10:54pm

      There‘s a reason why you haven’t heard Mr. Molotov’s “argument” before: it’s ignorant nonsense. Just a couple brief points: 1) There’s no such thing as the “secular world” – we live in a pluralistic society with a constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion in which more than 80% of your fellow citizens are self-identified Christians; how did the vast majority become disenfranchised by the tiny minority of non-believers, or do we now have an established Church of Secularism? 2) Nobody is amassing a fortune from Catholic education or healthcare, and everyone including yourself, benefits from these institutions. If you don’t believe me, consider this: the Catholic Church is, by a wide margin, the largest non-governmental charitable organization in the world (for instance one fourth of all AIDS patients in Africa are treated by Catholic bodies supported by voluntary contributions, not tax dollars). The story is not much different here at home. If you don‘t like what you’re paying in taxes now, just imagine what you would pay if the state had to pick up the tab for all the things the Church is doing now, and if the public education system suddenly had to expend its resources on the hundreds of thousands of students whose families are now paying school taxes but are sending their children to Catholic schools instead. As I said, ignorant nonsense: morally wrong, and fiscally stupid.

      Report Post » Athanasius  
    • no_more_harkin
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:35am

      Molotov and Marine; why don’t we just make religion illegal, and imprison everyone who practices it? By your logic, as long as it’s a law, it is right and just. While we’re killing off the 1st Amendment, let’s take away all guns, remove the double jeopardy right, and make slavery legal again.
      I’m wondering if you think ALL people should have rights, or just those who believe like you?

      Report Post »  
  • LindaStallcup
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:31pm

    I’m Catholic. Practicing. Not a C&E Catholic. I also live in Maryland. When the “letter” from the Archbishop was read aloud 2 weeks ago, I turned to my husband afterward and said “too little too late”. Yesterday, after the Homily another priest spoke with outrage about the federal government not allowing the Military Chaplins to read the “letter” to Catholics during mass. Again, I looked at my husband and shook my head. This weekend our “Catholic” Governor comes out in support of the federal government; in direct opposition of his faith beliefs. So whom does he serve? If he does not serve his God first, if he is not Catholic first, and public servant second, then he should be excommunicated. Until the Catholic Church takes a firm stand against the O‘Malley’s, the Biden‘s and the Pelosi’s, (all so-called Catholics), until the Catholic Church does more than lip service, via a letter from the Archbishop and make it very clear that as Catholics we put no “gods” before God, then nothing will change.

    Report Post »  
    • mr molotov cocktail
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:54pm

      if the catholic church wants to do business in the secular world and pay zero taxes…and demand special rights~ then its time for them to be taxed like any business~
      what is fair is fair……catholics stick to your church and not do buisness in the secular world~

      Report Post » mr molotov cocktail  
    • mycomet123
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 7:12pm

      LINDASTALLCUP, I totally agree with you!! Pelosi,Biden should have been EXCOMMUNICATED years ago!!!. Allowing them to STAND defiant in the Catholic Church is sending them, & the rest of the Catholics MIXED MESSAGES!!!. (if it wasn’t for my strong belief in the Eucharist, I would have left the church years ago. It has become a true cross to have to TOLERATE all the political bs in the Catholic Church!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

      Report Post »  
  • JEANNIEMAC
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:24pm

    Health insurance is intended to cover sickness that comes upon us. Contraception and abortion are choices for a personal lifestyle. If women want to have sex and not get pregnant, let them pay for their own condoms. If they pregnant, and want to kill their unborn babies, let them pay for it themselves.
    Organizations whose members know that abortion and contraception are sinful acts should not have to pay for lifestyle choices.

    Report Post »  
    • DavidInStLouis
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 10:53pm

      AMEN, Jeanniemac!! You’ve said it quite clearly and accurately! : )

      “Health insurance is intended to cover sickness that comes upon us. Contraception and abortion are choices for a personal lifestyle.”

      If a woman DECIDES she wants to have sex SHE can pay for the contraception. If SHE decides she wants to have a ABORTION, SHE can pay for it. Why does the Catholic Church and it’s members be shouldered with those?

      Report Post »  
  • TxSon
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:20pm

    1. Forcing the Church to violate it’s tenants. 2. Forcing contraception to be covered “at no cost”.

    The State should not be able to tell the Church how to conduct itself and there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.

    Report Post » TxSon  
  • Git-R-Done
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:17pm

    Excuse me if my taxpayer money shouldn’t be going to fund contraception or abortions. I also can‘t stand people who belong to an organization like the Catholic Church but don’t agree with the teachings of the organization.

    Report Post »  
  • rbole
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:12pm

    80% of the bishops of the United States sat on hands when contraception became “legal” even after Humane Vitae stated that it would result in child abuse, wife abuse, destruction of the family and degrading of the human nature. The bishops even encouaged its use. And again we must pay the price of our progessive bishops. In a way God uses the poor church administrators to show how he can keep His church going even with these people in charge.

    Report Post »  
    • JEANNIEMAC
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:28pm

      The bishops issued a letter to Obama stating that “We cannot, we will not, comply” A letter from the bishops was either read at Masses or distributed to parishioners letting them know about the mandate, and asking them to call their representatives.

      Report Post »  
  • bornagaincowgirl
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:07pm

    I live in Maryland (heavy sigh). He is a typical liberal who is a college-brainwashed, humanistic, democrat who belives in more power to the government, less power to indivudals and just give me more of your money and I’ll make your life wonderful. Hopefully we can move soon.

    Report Post »  
  • Baltotrav
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:05pm

    Martin O’Malley is one of those “in name only” Catholics. A few years back (after the birth of his 4th child) before HIPA our “Gov” had a vasectomy on the down low in a local hospital and I have it on high authority he was an ass during his brief time as a patient. Time for me to go to confession…gossip….and as the saying goes Obama, O’Malley, O Sh$t!!

    Report Post » Baltotrav  
  • Ted H
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:00pm

    Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley is such a rightious person. He has to denounce the church because he is the “champion” of the same-sex marrige initiative that failed last year. He also is on a roll to champion the ‘in-state tuition bill that passed last year, but was halted by petition of over 100,000 Maryland residents; it wil be on a referendum vote in November 2012. Also Marty has decided Maryland needs more taxation because it is 1.2 billion in the red. He wants to tax gasoline, raise State sales tax again (last year MD went from 5 to 6%) to 7%. He also has many other related tax increase proposals. Marty fits right in with the Presiden’t over-spending. What a guy! What a Govenor…….!!!

    Report Post » Ted H  
    • colt1860
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 11:38pm

      Exactly. Don’t forget that that new gasoline tax will increase every year, and that he desires a 9% sales tax and that 7% was his compromise. This guy must go. He wants to increases almost all transportation costs, e.g. registration, driver’s license, title, license plates, inspection, etc. He allowed a massive highway to be built, and now is looking for ways to pay for it, because practically no one uses it. Yet, he wants to construct a massive new metro line, when he can’t even keep a handle on the red line to DC. I’ve taken the metro to work this past year, and I went from paying a little more than $5, there and back, to now, paying over $7 for the same trip. They want to increase it this year again. This lying, deceptive Governor than has the nerve to say he balanced the budget, when it was in fact federal funds and loans that helped him pay for all this crap. I pray to God that a TEA party candidate runs for the next election. I’ll be voting for Brian Murphy again. Hope he runs.

      Report Post »  
  • OneWork
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 5:55pm

    Since when did objecting to the destruction of religious freedom become hyperventilating?

    Report Post »  
    • bornagaincowgirl
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:09pm

      yes, good point.

      Report Post »  
    • EchoHawk
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 7:03pm

      This is the point. The Church has the right to practice the dogma of their religion up until the point it effects someone else’s rights. A person employed by the Church involving duties outside the clergy itself, nursing, clerical, maintenance, who is offered health insurance, should have the options available to them that anyone else the law allows. If the law says basic health insurance includes contraceptives then as a private employer the Church must comply otherwise that is discriminatory.

      Report Post »  
    • bornagaincowgirl
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 7:40pm

      To Hawk—If you don‘t like the ethics of a catholic hospital or univeristy then don’t do business with them. You’re free.

      Report Post »  
    • Marine25
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 8:42pm

      @Echohawk
      Very well said. You will soon be assaulted by posters here because you apparently have read and understand the Constitution and the application of current business and tax law. Pay no mind, you said it beautifully.

      Report Post »  
    • DavidInStLouis
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 10:58pm

      The problem here IS with the “law”, Echohawk. This recently passed “law” and these subsequent proclamations by the HHS Secretary are UNconstitutional – i.e. AGAINST THE SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND – and we’re not going to stand for it.

      Report Post »  
    • GoldenRudy
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:02am

      Hawk and Marine: you both seem to have a selective understanding of the Constitution. Where in the Constitution does it say the Federal Government can mandate the type of coverage contained in the employer’s benefit of medical insurance? BTW: When did businesses start offering medical insurance as part of their benefit package? In 1789? Do some research on that. The Catholic Church should stop offering insurance and pay the delta to the employee as income (taxable, ha-ha) if and when the Obama Regime is successful.

      Report Post » GoldenRudy  
  • zoro51
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 5:35pm

    its a SOCIALIST ploy a SOCIALIST mandate to CONTROLL the US.. no FIRE EVITA OBAMA TAX N SPEECH NOW 25th amend END ALL mandates PERIOD FIRE OBAMA SAVE AMERICA

    Report Post » zoro51  
  • Ann
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 5:29pm

    II can’t agree with HAVENFARMROAD more! I too am a Marylander. O’Malley will be every bit as much of a dictator as Obama. He is Obama. He is as progressive as they come. He is suppose to be this great Catholic with all these children, and what is he doing? As any good socialist would do, he twists positions that are against his religion to satisfy his political intentions. Reminds. Me of that other great Catholic – Pelosi. O’ Malley would be as terrible for America as he is fir Maryland. He distorts as good as Obama. In other words, he’ll lie to justify any political advantage he can get.

    Report Post »  
  • Just in time
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 5:29pm

    I agree, for me it’s not so much about religious convictions. As it is about preventing the Govt. from taking control of 1/6th of this countries economy. I will pay cash for my med. care. I don’t agree with being forced to buy ins. Just because I’m an American. Just because I am alive!

    Report Post »  
  • ReynMansson
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 5:25pm

    John Fitzgerald Kennedy speaking to a group pf Baptists in Sept. 1960….

    I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute, where no Catholic prelate would tell the president (should he be Catholic) how to act, and no Protestant minister would tell his parishioners for whom to vote; where no church or church school is granted any public funds or political preference; and where no man is denied public office merely because his religion differs from the president who might appoint him or the people who might elect him.

    I believe in an America that is officially neither Catholic, Protestant nor Jewish; where no public official either requests or accepts instructions on public policy from the Pope, the National Council of Churches or any other ecclesiastical source; where no religious body seeks to impose its will directly or indirectly upon the general populace or the public acts of its officials; and where religious liberty is so indivisible that an act against one church is treated as an act against all.

    Report Post » ReynMansson  
    • GoldenRudy
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:09am

      And now we read that the “sainted” JFK you quote was having sex with a young intern; plying her with drugs; and requesting she have sex with his friends and family. A true Kennedy. Nice.

      Report Post » GoldenRudy  
  • JEANNIEMAC
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 5:15pm

    Nancy Pelosi, NY Gov. Cuomo, and Gov. O’Malley are only a few renegade Catholics who have made a deal with the devil for power. They support policies they know are wrong, to get the support of abortionists and homosexuals.
    When Obama attacked the Catholic Church, many lukewarm Catholics woke up and are defending their faith. Obama did indeed wake up a sleeping giant.

    Report Post »  
  • stacykay
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 5:14pm

    If this is for “affordable contraception” for every woman, that is one thing. Preventing pregnancy is NOT the same as aborting an unborn child. Take the abortion coverage out and I bet there COULD be a compromise of some kind.

    Report Post »  
    • rbole
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:02pm

      How long before women accept the fact that most contraception is done by killing the human zygote. Note the word human as in human being. The Church is required to pay for abortion through this policy. How do you compromise with killing human beings?

      Report Post »  
    • JediKnight
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 8:29pm

      @Stacy: Any unnatural prevention of pregnancy is against the teachings of the Catholic church. That includes the pill and condoms. Therefore, no forms of birth control are to be covered. There will be no compromise on this. We will not comply.

      Unfortunately, a lot of Catholics aren’t taught this, so there’s going to be a lot of questions that will hopefully be answered in the coming weeks.

      Report Post »  
    • NotaLemming
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:34am

      Yes compromise your values. That is what they want. Anyone remember the Overton Window? Well its has been opened on the Catholic church and is being slid top the far end of the spectrum, Compromise indeed. More like capitulation!

      Report Post » NotaLemming  
  • mike551
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 4:56pm

    One hundred eighty five mosques also read open letters to obumer stating they would not obey this law
    and threaten “civil disobedience”. Bet he make accommodations for them. Only Christians will be forced to comply. WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » mike551  
    • NotaLemming
      Posted on February 7, 2012 at 10:35am

      They got a Waiver early on in the Health Care Hijacking.

      Report Post » NotaLemming  
  • Lloyd Drako
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 4:48pm

    O’Malley is right that everyone is hyperventilating and that this issue is way overblown, but Obama ought to back down on this one.

    I mean, really, is basic contraception so expensive that it warrants insurance coverage? Ten bucks for a pack of a dozen condoms (if memory serves). For women, if over 18 or if under with parents’ permission, the pill ought to be OTC. Information about all the pipes and valves and how they work, and at what time of the month? Available free at the public library or online.

    So what’s the problem?

    Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
  • havenfarmroad
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 4:30pm

    As a Marylander who suffers under this oppressive egomaniac, let me warn you he intends to be the next Obama. A year or so in the Senate replacing Mikulski when she retire shortly, and then a green light to run for President. Watch out for this progressive!! It would almost be worth having him run just to get relief for the state of Maryland.

    Report Post »  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 5:21pm

      HAVENFARMROAD,
      You speak the truth! Merci!
      To add…,O’Malley and Fancy Nancy Pelosi are as much CATHOLICS as Mayor Mikey Bloomberg keeps kosher. UGH!

      Under O‘Malley’s leadership Maryland is the “ Little California” of the East Coast.

      Report Post »  
  • andync77
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 4:27pm

    Dear Catholic Church,
    When you lie down with dogs you rise up with fleas. This is your payback for supporting government run healthcare. Way to go idiots.

    Report Post » andync77  
    • Ted H
      Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:07pm

      I don’t see it that way. The Catholics are really the only ones making a push-back. It would be great if other relions would support thie push. I think the Supreme court would most certainly rule on the side of the Catholic church on the 1st Ammendment, This is just another reach of the self-ordained mesiah from Chicago.

      Report Post » Ted H  
  • db321
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 4:25pm

    You bet I’m going to be hyperventilating from sprinting up the stairs of the Polling place where I am going to quickly vote for anybody but Obama – then I going to go out side and on the top of the stairs I am going to jump up and down raising my arms to the music of Rocky in my head. I will defiantly be hyperventilating! We elected you morons to office – STOP telling us what we can believe in. Fools.

    Report Post » db321  
  • TexBork
    Posted on February 6, 2012 at 4:19pm

    You know, if the mandate really isn’t that import and being overblown, then let’s just drop the mandate and go back to being honest and not back-slide from promises made. I don’t think Obama has any intention of that, because honesty is not part of his agenda, but rather the fundamental change of the nation to socialism from a democratic republic.

    Report Post » TexBork  
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