Churches Forced To Fund Abortions: A Religious Freedom Violation
Submitted by MAGA
Posted 12 hours ago
**Outrage: Court Declares Churches Must Fund Abortions, Ignoring Religious Freedom**
In a stunning legal decision, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has mandated that a church in Washington State abandon its religious convictions and fund abortions through its employee health care plan.
This ruling has ignited a firestorm of criticism, as it blatantly disregards the First Amendment rights of religious organizations.
Cedar Park Assembly of God, a Pentecostal church in Kirkland, has been embroiled in a six-year legal battle over Washington State's Parity Act, which requires health plans to cover both maternity care and abortion.
Despite its deeply held beliefs that abortion is morally wrong, the church has been informed by its health provider, Kaiser Permanente, that it can no longer opt out of providing abortion coverage.
The Ninth Circuit's latest decision not only stripped the church of its standing to challenge the law but also reversed a prior ruling that had recognized its rights.
Senior counsel Rory Gray from Alliance Defending Freedom, who represents Cedar Park, expressed disbelief at the ruling, stating that it effectively bars the church from protecting its beliefs in a legal forum.
"This conclusion is unprecedented and contradicts what the Supreme Court and other circuits have previously asserted," Gray remarked, adding that it sets a dangerous precedent for religious liberty across the nation.
During a recent interview, Kevin Theriot of Alliance Defending Freedom explained the court's convoluted logic, equating the requirement for the church to fund abortions to an employee purchasing alcohol with their paycheck.
Theriot emphasized the absurdity of this comparison, pointing out that the state is compelling the church to participate in the funding of activities directly contrary to its beliefs.
He assured supporters that Cedar Park's fight is far from over, with plans to appeal the decision and potentially bring the case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
"This ruling could threaten not only religious organizations but any entity that wishes to maintain its integrity without compromising its values," Theriot warned.
The implications of this decision could resonate well beyond the church itself, damaging the fabric of religious freedom in America.
As this case progresses, Americans must remain vigilant in protecting the sanctity of their rights and the essential freedoms that underpin our society.
In light of this troubling turn of events, it is imperative that supporters of religious liberty rally together and take action.
As we move forward, the nation watches, and it is crucial that we uphold the principles of freedom that our forefathers fought so hard to establish.
Sources:
lifenews.com
joehoft.com
lifenews.com
In a stunning legal decision, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has mandated that a church in Washington State abandon its religious convictions and fund abortions through its employee health care plan.
This ruling has ignited a firestorm of criticism, as it blatantly disregards the First Amendment rights of religious organizations.
Cedar Park Assembly of God, a Pentecostal church in Kirkland, has been embroiled in a six-year legal battle over Washington State's Parity Act, which requires health plans to cover both maternity care and abortion.
Despite its deeply held beliefs that abortion is morally wrong, the church has been informed by its health provider, Kaiser Permanente, that it can no longer opt out of providing abortion coverage.
The Ninth Circuit's latest decision not only stripped the church of its standing to challenge the law but also reversed a prior ruling that had recognized its rights.
Senior counsel Rory Gray from Alliance Defending Freedom, who represents Cedar Park, expressed disbelief at the ruling, stating that it effectively bars the church from protecting its beliefs in a legal forum.
"This conclusion is unprecedented and contradicts what the Supreme Court and other circuits have previously asserted," Gray remarked, adding that it sets a dangerous precedent for religious liberty across the nation.
During a recent interview, Kevin Theriot of Alliance Defending Freedom explained the court's convoluted logic, equating the requirement for the church to fund abortions to an employee purchasing alcohol with their paycheck.
Theriot emphasized the absurdity of this comparison, pointing out that the state is compelling the church to participate in the funding of activities directly contrary to its beliefs.
He assured supporters that Cedar Park's fight is far from over, with plans to appeal the decision and potentially bring the case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
"This ruling could threaten not only religious organizations but any entity that wishes to maintain its integrity without compromising its values," Theriot warned.
The implications of this decision could resonate well beyond the church itself, damaging the fabric of religious freedom in America.
As this case progresses, Americans must remain vigilant in protecting the sanctity of their rights and the essential freedoms that underpin our society.
In light of this troubling turn of events, it is imperative that supporters of religious liberty rally together and take action.
As we move forward, the nation watches, and it is crucial that we uphold the principles of freedom that our forefathers fought so hard to establish.
Sources:
lifenews.com
joehoft.com
lifenews.com
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