Churches shouldn’t be forced to fund abortions.
Incredibly, it took a federal appeals court ruling to confirm this obvious fact.
In 2018, a Washington state bill was signed into law, requiring churches to cover elective abortions if they offer maternity care coverage to employees. Church leaders who oppose this evil edict could face fines or even imprisonment.
Alliance Defending Freedom filed a lawsuit on behalf of Cedar Park Church, but lost at the trial court level. Last week, a federal appeals court reversed the lower court, which will allow the lawsuit to move forward.
“No church should be forced to cover abortions, and certainly not a church like Cedar Park that dedicates its ministry to protecting and celebrating life,” said ADF Legal Counsel Elissa Graves. “We are pleased the 9th Circuit rightly recognized the harm that Washington state has inflicted on Cedar Park Church in subjecting it to this unprecedented mandate.”
John Bursch, ADF Senior Counsel, agreed. “Today’s decision is a big step forward in preventing the government from targeting churches.” He added, “we look forward to continue challenging this law at the district court.”
