Hundreds rally in Philadelphia to support ‘religious freedom’

About 200 people rallied in Philadelphia Friday, calling on the federal government to stop what they term “morally offensive” health-care regulations.

A law, which goes into effect in November, requires employers’ health insurance plans to cover birth control drugs.

 

The Obama administration contends a compromise switches that responsibility to insurers and not the faith-based employers who are objecting to the Health and Human Services mandate.

Protesters, however, see it as a matter of violating “religious freedom.”

Bishop Timothy Senior of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia says the location of Friday’s rally was especially meaningful in terms of U.S. history.

“If, together, we can bring a new and zealous witness of religious liberty to the home of the American experiment in Philadelphia, then we can honestly call ourselves good citizens of a great country,” Senior said.

The “Stand Up for Religious Freedom” event on Independence Hall was one of about 150 rallies across the country.