'Freedom of Conscience is a Sacred Gift'

The National Association of Evangelicals has joined the debate over attempts by the Obama administration to force contraceptive and abortifacient insurance coverage on religious institutions opposed to them. In a statement, NAE said: "Freedom of conscience is a sacred gift, not a grant from the state. No government has the right to compel its citizens to violate their conscience. The HHS rules trample on our most cherished freedoms and set a dangerous precedent." Indeed they do.

The latest to join the legal battle is the Catholic Eternal Word Television Network, founded by Mother Angelica. EWTN has joined a number of other organizations in a lawsuit brought by the Becket Fund, which challenges this mandate.

Don't forget, this is part of ObamaCare and proof that the federal government thinks it has the power to force you to do things that are against your conscience and beliefs. It will only get worse unless ObamaCare is repealed. It's one of many reasons why the next election is critical. Better educate your uninformed friends.

I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.

Publication date: February 10, 2012