Whatever the religious affiliation of the citizens of metro-Richmond, or Chesterfield and Henrico Counties, they enjoy the freedom to attend the church, synagogue or mosque of their choice, as well as practice their beliefs.
The Obama administration is now working to pass a mandate that would require employers to provide free birth control in their health care plans. On the surface, this would be a big savings to women paying $15-$50 a month for contraception.
But Catholic hospitals and other religious institutions are adament in their refusal to abide by this law, saying it is a breech of religious liberties. The U.S. Conference of Bishops says it is a violation of long held beliefs of the church.
The Obama administration says the law does not apply to churches, synagogues or other places of worship. It does apply to universities, healthcare facilities or any other organization with religious affiliations.
This healthcare mandate is expected to go into effect on August 1st. of this year. Obama has given an additional year to the Catholic hospitals and other religious institutions. They will have until August 1, 2013 to comply.
Two federal suits have already been filed by religious universities, one in Colorado and the other in Wash. D.C. Both suits contend the rule violates religious liberties.
The suits will further erode Obama's standing in the polls, which are not that good anyway. Mitt Romney took the opportunity on Monday night, while in Colorado to slam Obama's mandate, further adding to the furor.
The big point in all this is the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Opponents say the amendment specifically states the federal government shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion.
The Morman Church and the Seventh Day Adventists have successfully fought legislation and won. It comes down to just how far our government will go to emmesh itself in our religious beliefs, and will it get by with it.
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