Federal Court Rules Against Mandated Gender-Affirming Care for Catholic Employers
BISMARCK — A U.S. District Court judge in North Dakota has ruled in favor of the Catholic Benefits Association, stating that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) cannot compel Catholic employers to provide or cover gender-affirming medical care. The case stems from rules intended to prevent discrimination against transgender individuals, citing the Affordable Care Act and Title IX protections.
The Catholic Benefits Association argued that these rules would force its members, including Catholic hospitals, to violate their religious beliefs by requiring coverage for gender-affirming surgeries and hormone replacements. Judge Peter Welte sided with the association, asserting that the government failed to provide adequate religious exemptions, thus leaving religious organizations vulnerable to legal repercussions.
He highlighted the conflict with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which protects religious exercise unless a compelling governmental interest is demonstrated. This ruling comes amid other federal court decisions that have similarly challenged parts of anti-discrimination rules at a national level. The federal landscape has seen increased scrutiny over regulations surrounding LGBTQ rights and religious freedoms, particularly during the Trump administration.
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