LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – The U.S. Justice Department is asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by several states that challenges the new federal health care rule that requires contraception coverage for employees of church-affiliated hospitals, schools and programs.
Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning is leading the suit, and he scoffed at the department’s request Tuesday. He calls it a bait and switch, noting that the department pushed the enforcement deadline to next year – after the elections – and hasn’t detailed how it plans to address religious groups’ concerns.
The lawsuit says the rule violates the rights of groups that object to contraceptive use. It was filed by Bruning and attorneys general from Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas, along with religious groups.
Department lawyers asked for its dismissal Monday.