Washington, D.C. – The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on the recent decision by U.S. district judge Carol Jackson in St. Louis. Judge Jackson dismissed a claim that the HHS contraception coverage mandate violates religious freedom. The case was brought by Frank O’Brien, a devout Catholic and owner of O’Brien Industrial Holdings. In response, Judie Brown, president of American Life League, issued the following statement:
Judge Jackson’s ruling that the “regulations do not impose a ‘substantial burden’ on either Frank O’Brien or OIH, and do not violate (their) rights,” is of immense concern to those of us fighting to protect religious freedom in America. In our great nation, liberty has always been equated with freedom of religion, freedom from oppression, and freedom of speech. Sadly, Judge Jackson’s decision begins America’s regression into the dark ages. Obamacare laws, including this mandate, trample the rights of citizens and ensure that our freedom is in jeopardy.
The outrageous erosion of freedom validated by Judge Jackson does not just begin or even end with religious freedom. It goes further—-violating our moral conscience. The true effect of this action is but a prelude for the sad commentary on modern-day America that is yet to be told.
We must not accept this outrage. We call on Americans of every faith to loudly protest this decision. This decision must be appealed to the highest court in the land.
Let us pray that our nation will rise above this despicable decision and strive to restore true liberty to all people, born and preborn.
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American Life League, cofounded by Judie Brown in 1979, is the oldest national Catholic pro-life education and advocacy organization in the United States. For more information, please visit https://www.all.org.