Mennonite-Owned Small Business Files Challenge To Contraceptive Coverage Mandate

Another small business and its owners have filed a lawsuit challenging the contraceptive coverage mandate issued under the Affordable Care Act.  The complaint (full text) in Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. v. Sebelius, (ED PA, filed 12/4/2012), contends that applying the  moral teachings of their Mennonite faith, the owners of the cabinet and wood specialties company have concluded "that it would be sinful and immoral for them to intentionally participate in, pay for, facilitate or otherwise support any contraception with an abortifacient effect  through health insurance coverage the offer at Conestoga." The company's current health insurance plan excludes such drugs. In October of this year, the corporation's board of directors adopted a statement setting out the beliefs of the company owners on the sanctity of human life.  The suit claims violations of the 1st and 14th Amendments, RFRA and the Administrative Procedure Act. Independence Law Center issued a press release announcing the filing of the lawsuit.