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National News

Texas against Obamacare’s Assault on Freedom of Religion

Disclaimer:
The author of this entry is responsible for this content, which is not edited by the Wilson County News or wilsoncountynews.com.

February 23, 2012 | 1177 views | 4 comments

Proposed federal rule’s compulsory funding of contraceptives violates First Amendment, Religious Freedom Restoration Act

AUSTIN -- Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued the following statement after Texas and several states challenged the constitutionality of the federal government’s rule that compels religious organizations to provide health coverage that conflicts with their moral and religious beliefs:

“Obamacare’s latest mandate tramples the First Amendment’s Freedom of Religion and compels people of faith to act contrary to their convictions. The President’s so called ‘accommodation’ was nothing but a shell game: the mandate still requires religious organizations to subsidize and authorize conduct that conflicts with their religious principles. The very first amendment to our Constitution was intended to protect against this sort of government intrusion into our religious convictions.”

States’ legal challenges to the federal rule:

� The rule conflicts with the First Amendment’s basic elements of the freedoms of religion, speech and association.

� The rule violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by requiring the federal government to troll through an organization’s religious beliefs to determine whether the organization is religious enough to be exempt from the rule’s mandates.

� The rule’s practical effect will force religious employers and organizations to drop health insurance coverage, which will effect increased enrollment in state Medicaid programs and state-subsidized hospitals and medical centers.
The state coalition includes Texas, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. The co-plaintiffs are Pius X Catholic High School, The Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America, Catholic Social Services, Stacy Molai and Sister Mary Catherine, CK.

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Your Opinions and Comments

Ken Semlinger
Poth, TX
February 27, 2012 11:33am

Report Abuse

The Heritage Guide to the Constitution and Original Intent are two books all, including Facts, should read. Also Hillsdale College has an excellent course on the Constitution ... Read More

4 th Generation Texan
Sutherland Springs
February 24, 2012 4:27pm

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"Facts only"...so, I guess you think that obama's Government infringing on the rights of religious organizations 'does not' effect you or anyone else in Texas? ... Read More

"Facts only"...so, I guess you think that obama's Government infringing on the rights of religious organizations 'does not' effect you or anyone else in Texas?

Go back to one of your Civic Classes and read up on the function of the Federal Government and State Government.

I'll save you a little bit of time: The Federal Governmnent has 'ONLY' the powers given to it in the Constitution. States and individuals have 'ALL THE POWER NOT SPECIFICALLY GIVEN TO THE FEDERAL GOVT". And, in the Constitution the Federal Government's actions in regards to religion and religious organizations has been clearly documented. The Federal Government can not " prohibit the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion." In other words, Federal Government keep your cotton picking hands off of religion and do not interfer in any way with religious organizations.

So, Where in that statement does it give the Federal Government the right to impose taxes and/or penalties on any religious organization? I don't see any authority for the Government to do what they've done regarding the Catholic Church.

And, if you ignore the clear violation in regards to this right, what other rights are you willing to disregard? How about Freedom of Speech? Would you disregard a clear violation of the Government if they were telling you what you could or could not say? I certainly hope you wouldn't? And, since the Constitution has not specifically given obama the power and the right to do these things, they are Unconstitional. So, if the Federal Government does not have the speciific authority, then the Constitution gives that right to each individual state to decide. And, since Greg Abbot represents a state, it is well within his authority and duty to challenge the Federal Government on this.

"Facts Only", I have told you before that you are not qualified to discuss a lot of the topics on this webb site. Please go get a Government Civics book and do a little research. After all, if the Constitution is not protected, YOU won't be protected from a Big, Powerful Federal Government that can kick you in the butt and there will be no body to protest or tell them they have no authority or power to do that.

Facts only please TX February 24, 2012 8:20am	Report Abuse What a waste of tax payer's money...Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott needs to focus on crime in our state instead of taking on the WH.