Noem Supports Bill to Protect Religious Rights of Conscience

Press Release

Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD) aligned herself with religious leaders and others speaking out against the mandate from the Obama Administration that requires religious schools, charities, and hospitals to provide contraception and sterilization coverage in private health-insurance plans. Noem co-sponsored H.R. 1179, the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act of 2011, which would reaffirm the freedom of conscience when it comes to health care. Specifically, the bill would expand the current religious exemptions in the new health care law passed in 2010.

"I am deeply troubled by the Administration's decision to force an ideological agenda onto people of faith and our religious institutions," said Noem.

"This regulation goes beyond the walls of a church. It reaches our church-run hospitals, charities, and religious school as well, potentially thwarting thousands of South Dakotans' health care plans. The federal government needs to allow these organizations and businesses the opportunity to provide health care to their employees, but to do it in a way that would not violate their consciences and deeply held moral and religious beliefs," concluded Noem.

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