Politics

‘Real News From The Blaze:’ Catholic Groups Sue Obama Administration

The University of Notre Dame and the Catholic University of America were among 43 Catholic institutions to file coordinated lawsuits in federal courts across the country against the Department of Health and Human Services Tuesday, claiming the Obama administration’s new birth control mandate violates the First Amendment protections to the free exercise of religion, as well as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Legal experts say that the RFRA, a 1993 law championed by then-Rep. Charles Schumer and the late Sen. Ted Kennedy to protect religious exercise (Native Americans using peyote) from laws that might unintentionally restrict it, is the strongest legal challenge to the birth-control mandate yet. The Hill reports:

RFRA sailed through Congress with broad bipartisan support in response to an unpopular decision by the Supreme Court that was seen as curbing Native Americans’ religious freedom to use peyote, a traditional hallucinogen.

Now it will force the government to prove that federal regulators did not have another way to expand women’s access to birth control that would be less burdensome on religion — an argument experts say conservatives can win.

“I think the odds are pretty good for the plaintiffs here,” Marc DeGirolami, an assistant law professor at St. John’s University, told The Hill.

Outspoken on the issue of the infringement of Catholics’ religious freedom has been Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“We have tried negotiation with the Administration and legislation with Congress – and we’ll keep at it – but there’s still no fix. Time is running out,” said Dolan in a statement supporting the litigation.

“Our valuable ministries and fundamental rights hang in the balance, so we have to resort to the courts now.”

Appearing on CBS news Tuesday morning, Dolan said that the alleged Obama compromise falls short, and dictates further imposition from the State to the Church that goes against religious teaching.

“They tell us if you’re really going to be considered a church, if you’re going to be exempt from the demands of the government, you have to propagate your Catholic faith in everything you do,”said Dolan. “You can serve only Catholics and employ only Catholics. We’re like, wait a minute, when did the government get in the business of defining for us the extent of our ministry?”

On “Real News” Tuesday the panel discussed the litigation and possible political implications the Obama administration’s actions could have on the Catholic vote and socially liberal Democratic base.

“I think Catholics were sacrificed at the alter of riling up your base” said Will Cain, speculating that the HHS mandate was a calculated to decision to rally enthusiasm from women and gay marriage supporters back to the president. On the other hand, S.E. Cupp argued her belief that the HHS moved forward with this legislation completely unaware of the predictable reaction from Catholics because the administration operates from an extremely secular mindset. Watch a clip from the segment below:

 

Comments (15)

  • Tellthetruth01
    Posted on May 26, 2012 at 8:43pm

    The Catholic Church is the last religion that needs to be suing someone for what they really needs with all those secret abortions. This church is just the corrupt as the rest of some of these churches but the Catholic Church is off the chain. All those murders, abortions, child molesters and who knows what else goes on up in there. Hail Mary aint going to get these leaders no where but hell with this political stunk. They need birth control.

    Report Post » Tellthetruth01  
  • remybink
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:22am

    I am a Catholic but do not agree with the teachings. Nor do I with any religious teachings. But, without hesitation, freedom of religion must be protected at all costs.

    Report Post »  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:09am

    I am glad the Government is being sued. If a “Law” causes one to sin, it is not a Law. I will not comply.

    Report Post »  
  • Susan09
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:26am

    The Government has no right in ninterfering in any CHURCHES affairs that impede their BELIEFS. UNLESS IT has to do with GOING against the law Such as MURDER THEFT. I happen to believe that EVEN THE churches should pay their share of tax. Some do some are exempt. I never could understand why JUST Because they are a church they are exempt from paying taxes on the money they recieve for ministering. The Tithing recieve still is to help keep the ministery solveint unless like the catholic church they get a stipent from the higharchy of the catholic church to help I Have always heard it said the two things that are unavoidable are death and taxes. Death because sooner or later all die. taxes because no matter what land country or place you live any Government must recieve taxes or the people have nothing. MONEY has to be paid to have roads bridgesand how many other public facility to make a country survive. same with any Church. that has exspenses for building costs.
    EVEN JOSEPH and CHRIST PAID TAX!!!!!

    Report Post » Susan09  
  • Free2speakRN
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 5:44am

    Obama’s Catholicism:

    Old man: “Please help me. I’m cold. I’m sick. I’m tired. I’m hungry. I’m thirsty.”

    Fr. Obama: “Are you Catholic?”

    Old man: “No….but……why, Father?”

    Fr. Obama: “Next !”

    Then Fr. Obama leans to Sister Pelosi: “Tell that ‘Panel’, all ‘fifteen’ are going to lose their seats if any of these people get in here again ! Who do these people think I am? Mother Theresa?!”

    Sister Pelosi: I understand.

    Sister Sebelius: I still want contraception rights.

    Fr. Obama whispers to Sister Sebelius: “This is my last hospital for the year. After that I’ll be more flexible.”

    Sister Sebelius: “I understand. I will tell Bother Biden.”

    They give each other a nod of understanding.

    Report Post »  
  • inblack
    Posted on May 22, 2012 at 11:11pm

    S.E. may be the devil’s child, but she is one smart cookie.

    I love watching her mind work.

    I also think she is dead right. Obama thought the Catholics would roll right over. The only Catholics he knows are the Kennedy’s who he played like a fiddle, Nancy Pelosi who wouldn‘t know God’s will if a pillar of fire cleansed San Francisco and finally Kathleen Sebelious who has all but been excommunicated from the Catholic church.

    Christians need to learn that being tolerant of others does not include acting like them.

    Report Post »  
  • trueamerican40
    Posted on May 22, 2012 at 9:19pm

    There shouldn’t be any suing at all BUT an impeachment hearing followed by an arrest warrant which reads—We the people of the Republic of the Constitution of the United States against Czar Barry Obankruptus. His day is coming…may God deal with him the way he has dealt the innocent peoples of the U.S.

    Report Post » trueamerican40  
  • dwh320
    Posted on May 22, 2012 at 9:09pm

    The attacks on religion have only begun.

    Report Post » dwh320  
    • rickc34
      Posted on May 22, 2012 at 9:37pm

      Pray to the Lord hard times are coming. When you read the Bible and History books you see everything that Israel went through and what is coming. The United States is not mentioned. In the Bible. My friends and I concluded 17 years ago while doing a study the reason being the US is taken over, partt of the problem or has been left in ruins. It looks like all 3. Prepare yourself Gods word has not been wrong yet. Do not listen to the left liberal minded they will learn the truth but it may be to late for them. The truth is hard but if you really care you will do the right thing. Socilism is not Gods way but it is the wrong way. this is only the start the US has turned its back on GOD. Comprimise is leaving GOD out of some of our most important decisions.

      Report Post »  
  • Lisabo
    Posted on May 22, 2012 at 9:05pm

    I Thank the Catholic Church, Cardinal Dolan, and all the Catholic organizations who are standing firm against the Obama Administration. This united front is our only hope to stop this mandate. They need our prayers and our support. May God bless them!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Gypsy123
    Posted on May 22, 2012 at 8:49pm

    Where do you stand.

    Report Post » Gypsy123  
  • CatB
    Posted on May 22, 2012 at 8:38pm

    “Dolan said that the alleged Obama compromise falls short, and dictates further imposition from the State to the Church that goes against religious teaching.”

    That is what DICTATORS DO .. they also rule by executive orders … you can’t “compromise” with a dictator.

    Don’t BACK DOWN! We are all being forced to do things against our will. Like the monthly fee I now have to pay for abortions which I do not support but HAS TO BE included in my health insurance premium.

    Report Post »  
    • scuba13
      Posted on May 22, 2012 at 8:50pm

      I hate having to live in Obamaville.

      Report Post » scuba13  
    • dawghowse
      Posted on May 22, 2012 at 8:51pm

      @CATB, you nailed it, and I’m with you on not backing down.

      Report Post » dawghowse  

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