Catholic Groups Go to Court Over Health Care, Birth Control

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Catholic organizations in Wyoming have gone to court to challenge the birth control coverage requirement in federal government's health care overhaul.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne, which covers the entire state, together with a number of Catholic schools and charities, filed a federal lawsuit Thursday in Cheyenne.

The suit names U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and several other federal officials and agencies.

The lawsuit charges it violates constitutional principles of religious freedom to be forced to pay for insurance coverage for non-ministerial workers that covers free contraception.

Faith-affiliated charities, hospitals and universities have filed dozens of similar lawsuits around the country.

Federal courts have issued differing interpretations and the issue appears to be headed to the U.S. Supreme Court for a resolution.