Washington D.C., Mar 21, 2013 / 16:12 pm
Despite proposals to modify the federal contraception mandate, the U.S. bishops said that the regulation is still unacceptable due to its narrow view of religion and resulting violations of religious liberty.
"The identity of the person or group having the religious freedom objection should not matter; what should matter instead is whether the person or group faces government coercion to violate conscience," said a document filed on behalf of the U.S. bishops.
"Religious freedom is for all who face this threat, not just some," the March 20 statement declared.
The document was written by Anthony R. Picarello and Michael F. Moses, lawyers for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Responding to a government comment period, it offers feedback on a proposed change to the federal contraception mandate.
"We are willing, now as always, to work with the Administration to reach a just and lawful resolution of these issues," the lawyers said. "In the meantime, along with others, we will continue to look for resolution of these issues in Congress and in the courts."