Peoria, Ill., Aug 10, 2012 / 14:59 pm
The Catholic Diocese of Peoria, Ill. on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the HHS mandate, charging that it requires an "intrusive government investigation" to determine whether the diocese is exempt from the controversial federal rule.
Bishop Daniel Jenky of Peoria believes the new federal lawsuit is necessary because of a lack of effort on the part of the federal government to correct the mandate's flaws, the diocese said.
"I have an obligation to protect the Church's ability to freely practice our religion," he said Aug. 9. "As Bishop of the Diocese of Peoria, I cannot remain silent while the right of Catholics to practice our faith is being so gravely threatened."
The mandate requires most employers to provide insurance coverage for sterilization and contraception, including some abortion-causing drugs.