by Emily Luxen
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Members of the Family Research Council have spoken out in Nashville and urged President Barack Obama to reverse his "Contraception Mandate."
During a Monday press conference at the Opryland Hotel, several local and national religious leaders voiced their concerns about how the decision could impact religiously affiliated organizations.
They said they have circulated a letter that now features 2,500 signatures of people who also oppose the mandate.
"We will not tolerate any denomination having religious freedom infringed upon by the government of the United States," said Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council.
In his original plan, President Obama proposed all employers cover the cost of contraception for employees, but he has since backed off, and said religious organizations are exempt.
Some religious leaders said that is still not enough. The proposal would force them to choose between their conscience and eliminating health insurance for employees.
"We are not going to sit by and allow our God-given rights, which are recognized and protected by the constitution, to be atrophied and be neutered, and confined and restricted by the Obama administration, " said Dr. Richard Land with the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics Commission.
Dr. Land and others said legislation being debated in the House is moving forward and they are expecting a vote soon. In the meantime, they will continue to fight back against the issue.
