U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., announced his co-sponsorship of legislation to protect religious freedom from an unreasonable federal mandate in the new health care law. The Department of Health and Human Services recently announced a final rule which will require faith-based organizations to grant their employees free coverage for contraceptives, including morning-after drugs, a requirement in violation of many religious groups' beliefs. The Respect for Rights of Conscience Act, introduced by Senator Roy Blunt, R-Mo., would ensure that no mandate in the health care bill will force anyone to violate their religious beliefs and moral convictions.
"The HHS rule is the latest example of a deeply flawed law that imposes unreasonable federal mandates on individuals, employers, and state governments, while also increasing health care costs and adding to long-term deficits. This legislation will ensure faith-based groups retain the freedom to operate in accordance with their beliefs," Corker said.