WASHINGTON, May 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Josh Duggar, executive director of Family Research Council Action (FRC Action), will speak at a rally for religious freedom on May 8 in front of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, where the court will hear oral arguments in Priests for Life v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The case involves Priests for Life's objection to the HHS mandate requiring them to cover drugs that can act as abortaficients, sterilization services and contraception in its healthcare plans.
Cathy Ruse, Esq., senior legal fellow at FRC, will also speak at the rally. Ruse formerly served as spokesperson for the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops on life-related issues.
Duggar, a star of TLC's "19 Kids and Counting" reality TV show, made the following comments about the case:
"Americans understand it's not right for the government to force people to either violate their religious beliefs or suffer crippling fines for standing up for their beliefs.
"The Obama administration has consistently targeted ministries such as Priests for Life, family-owned businesses, and people who stand for family values and protecting the unborn, the most vulnerable among us. The administration has demanded that ministries and business-owners abandon their religious convictions or pay crushing fines. In a free society, this mandate cannot stand."
Ruse made the following comments about the case:
"The Obama administration has already let tens of millions of plans off the hook, yet it's fighting tooth-and-nail to force religious non-profits like Priests for Life to violate their beliefs or pay crippling fines. Forcing these religious groups to obey, even against their sincere beliefs, is not only intolerant but threatens the long-standing American tradition of respect for conscience.
"If the administration is so keen on giving away free birth control and abortion pills, it should pay for them itself. Leave the priests and nuns and Christian family business owners out of it."
For a complete list of speakers and up-to-date information on the rally and the lawsuit, go to IStandWithPFL.com.
WHO:
Josh Duggar, Executive Director, FRC Action
Cathy Ruse, Esq., Senior Legal Fellow, FRC
WHAT: Rally in support of Priests for Life in Priests for Life v. HHS
WHEN: 9-11 a.m. Eastern, Thursday, May 8
WHERE: U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, 333 Constitution Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001
SOURCE FRC Action
