‘Brooks & Co.’ guest will discuss HHS mandate’s threat to religious freedom

STAFF REPORT

FRANK MANION

Monday, July 8, 2012, 2 p.m. — Tuesday’s guest on 1320 WBRT’s “Brooks & Company” program is local attorney Frank Manion who will discuss the HHS mandate — one of the Affordable Care Act’s regulations that is a threat to the free exercise of religious freedom for all faiths.

The issue is not whether you agree or disagree with the Supreme Court’s recent decision about the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate; the HHS mandate is regulation that was not part of the court challenge and remains unaddressed. The HHS mandate affects employers and requires them to purchase health insurance that includes medicine and medical procedures that include birth control and termination of the life of an unborn child.

A very narrow exemption in the law will not apply to organizations linked to religious entities like schools, hospitals or charitable organizations. The rule will force religious employers to violate their moral and religious beliefs. U.S. bishops have spoken out on the issue and a number of Catholic  and non-Catholic organizations have filed lawsuits against the government.

Listen in 11 to noon Tuesday, July 9, 2012, on 1320 WBRT or streaming live to your computer via the Nelson County Gazette home page or www.wbrtcountry.com.

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