Setback for Wyoming diocese, college in struggle against HHS mandate

May 16, 2014

A federal district court judge has refused to issue an injunction preventing enforcement of the HHS mandate against the Diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming Catholic Charities, Wyoming Catholic College, and two other Catholic institutions in the state.

“While Plaintiffs hold very strong religious views that [the mandate] should not provide (or be forced by federal law to provide) contraceptive coverage,” the mandate’s “provision of such coverage cannot be said to be a substantial burden on Plaintiffs’ religious exercise,” ruled Judge Scott Skavdahl, an Obama appointee.

“Since the challenged regulations take effect on July 1, 2014, and would force the plaintiffs to violate their deeply held Catholic beliefs or face crippling fines and penalties for noncompliance, we will appeal this decision and seek relief from the appellate court,” the state’s sole diocese said in a statement, as quoted by the Associated Press.

 

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Further information:

• Full text of decision (Scribd.com)
• Judge denies Catholic diocese's injunction request (AP)
• Court Says ACA Contraceptive Coverage Rules For Religious Non-Profits Do Not Violate RFRA (Religion Clause)
• Wyoming diocese, college file suit against HHS mandate (CWN, 1/31)