Phoenix, Ariz., May 14, 2012 / 17:07 pm
Governor Jan Brewer drew praise for signing a measure into law that allows employers in Arizona to opt out of contraception and abortifacient coverage.
“We're absolutely thrilled that Gov. Brewer signed this important religious liberty legislation after many years of battling over this issue in Arizona and now across the country,” Ron Johnson, executive director of the Arizona Catholic Conference, told CNA.
Although the bill will not trump federal law if the controversial Health and Human Services mandate is put into practice, Johnson said he hopes the Arizona measure will “be an example for the rest of the country.”
Johnson explained in a May 10 interview that the bill provides a “better position” for “Arizonians who are interested in suing the Obama administration over the HHS mandate,” now that their religious freedom is protected by state law.