Washington, D.C. — President Obama’s alternative proposal to provide access to contraception under the health care law drew support today from Interfaith Alliance. The original rule put forward by the administration last week had raised some concerns about religious freedom. The new proposal addresses those concerns without compromising women’s health. Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy issued the following statement:
The controversy that has erupted this past week over the Obama Administration’s new rule on contraception raised important issues related to religious freedom, which today’s alternative addresses. At the same time, we can’t be in the position of allowing a single religious perspective to dictate public policy. The alternative proposed by the President today provides a path to full access to contraception without placing an undue burden on religious institutions that have a theological objection.
The President’s intention to provide access to contraception is right, but the original rule was wrong; today’s proposal is a good-faith attempt to address the issues at hand. I urge both sides to resist using this important issue as a political football and instead focus on coming to a solution that works for all sides. As always we both expect and appreciate a president that protects religious freedom while respecting the diversity of belief in the country.
Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit www.interfaithalliance.org.