On Nov. 1, the Gilardi brothers, devout Roman Catholics
who operate their own fresh produce business in Ohio, won round two in a battle
against the White House. The Obama administration tried to claim that freedom
of religion means freedom to pray, not necessarily to practice your beliefs.
Once you leave church, you have to obey government regulations, even when they
conflict with your faith.
Francis and Philip Gilardi insisted on living their
beliefs as they run their business. For a decade, they’ve provided health
insurance for their 400 employees but excluded abortion drugs, contraception
and sterilization because they conflict with Catholic teachings.
However, the Obama administration requires all health
plans to provide them. On Jan. 2, 2013, the Gilardi brothers sued in federal
court, asking for temporary protection from the $14 million annual penalty they
would face for not complying. A lower federal court turned down the Gilardi
brothers, but last Friday, the United States Court of Appeals for the District
of Columbia granted their request........ So far, six federal appeals courts
have ruled on these cases, with four deciding for religious freedom and two
siding with the Obama administration. It makes a Supreme Court showdown in 2014
almost inevitable.| READ MORE
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