Opinion: Catholic Birth-Control Lawsuits Test the Constitution

The more than 40 Catholic institutions that filed federal lawsuits this week against the Obama administration have instigated “a big political and Constitutional moment,” according to an editorial in The Wall Street Journal.

The Catholic groups are fighting provisions in its health-care law regarding access to contraception, and by suing the Obama administration, the Journal says, they are “saying that the same federal government they have viewed for decades as an ally in their fight for social justice is now a threat to their religious liberty.”

The editorial faulted President Obama for his approach to the controversial policy, saying he “has rebuffed Catholic leaders in their attempt to work out a compromise over the Administration’s mandate that all insurance plans offer contraception and sterilization services.”

The commentary concluded, “Once upon a time the political left viewed Catholics and especially the bishops as their allies in using government to create more equal opportunity and redistribute income. … We trust the courts will instruct the Administration that the Constitution still puts religious liberty first.”