Supreme Court seeks new briefs in 'Little Sisters of the Poor' case

March 30, 2016

In a rare move that seemed to indicate a desire to find common ground in a key religious-freedom case, the US Supreme Court has asked for additional briefs from all parties involved in the Zubik v. Burwell case-- more popularly known as the "Little Sisters of the Poor" case.

Just six days after hearing oral arguments in the case, which is a challenge to the contraceptive mandate in the "Obamacare" health reform, the justices asked lawyers to suggest ways in which employees of religious institutions could have access to contraceptive coverage, but the institutions would not be obligated to pay for or authorize that coverage. 

The Court's unusual request for additional briefs suggested that the justices accept the argument by the Little Sisters of the Poor and their fellow petitiioners, that the "accommodation" offered by the Obama administration does not go far enough to satisfy the religious-freedom concerns. 

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Supreme Court Hints at Way to Avert Tie on Birth Control Mandate (New York Times)
• Supreme Court seeking compromise in landmark birth control case (AP)
• New development in the Little Sisters' court case (CNA)
• Supreme Court seeks details on alternative contraceptive coverage (CNS)