WASHINGTON (AP) — Two prominent Catholic bishops are warning the Senate that a bill aimed at overturning the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision threatens religious rights and would likely reduce health coverage.
The letter from Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley and Baltimore Archbishop William Lori (LOH’-ree) opposes Senate legislation aimed at ensuring that women receive free contraception coverage even if they work for a company that has a religious objection to it.
The bishops say the bill could override all religious exemptions from health care mandates, potentially forcing employers to cover abortions as well. They warn that employers with religious objections would likely feel compelled to drop all health insurance.
The Catholic leaders say that would wind up reducing rather than expanding health coverage.
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