FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
February 10, 2012
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Suzanne Webb (334) 242-7351
Page 1 of 1
AG STRANGE OPPOSES FEDERAL CONTRACEPTIVE MANDATE ON
RELIGIOUS ENTITIES
(MONTGOMERY)— Today Attorney General Luther Strange joined nine other
state attorneys general in opposing the federal’s government’s mandate requiring
religious employers that provide health insurance coverage to their employees to
include contraceptives, sterilization, and related services. The letter is addressed to
Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius,
Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis.
The letter states in part that “the proposed regulations would compel religious
affiliated organizations, hospitals, and universities, and social service entities to
subsidize contraceptive products and services which clearly violate their religious
beliefsÖNot only is the proposed contraceptive coverage mandate for religious
employers bad policy, it is unconstitutional. It conflicts with the most basic elements of
freedoms of religion, speech, and association, as provided under the First
AmendmentÖWe believe it represents an impermissible violation of the Constitution’s
First Amendment virtually unparallel in American history.”
“Here we see another example of the Obama administration overstepping their
constitutional authority,” said Attorney General Strange. “It is our job as state attorneys
general to enforce the laws of our states and protect our citizens’ constitutional rights.
This mandate is a clear violation of the First Amendment and must be opposed.”
Attorney General Strange joins Attorneys General Jon Bruning of Nebraska, Greg
Abbott of Texas, Alan Wilson of South Carolina, Pam Bondi of Florida, James Caldwell
of Louisiana, William Schneider of Maine, Wayne Stenehjem of North Dakota, Mike
DeWine of Ohio and Scott Pruitt of Oklahoma.
A copy of the letter is attached.
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501 Washington Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
