[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 81 (Friday, June 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 43 CATHOLIC ORGANIZATIONS FORCED TO SUE TO PROTECT THEIR BASIC RIGHTS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 1, 2012

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, ``. . . I have sworn upon the altar of 
God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of 
man.''
  Thomas Jefferson's words reflect the basis for religious liberty in 
our country.
  A freedom which is guaranteed in the first amendment.
  The provisions in the first amendment are listed first because they 
are the most important.
  Yet this essential freedom is being trampled on by the administration 
under the guise of providing essential health care.
  The administration has demanded religious groups violate their 
religious convictions.
  Last week the 43rd Catholic organization joined in lawsuits against 
the administration based on the Government's blatant disregard for 
religious freedom.
  Organizations throughout the country have joined in these suits.
  They are:

Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.
Consortium of Catholic Academies
Archbishop Carroll High School
Catholic Charities of D.C.
The Catholic University of America
University of St. Francis, Joliet, IL
Diocese of Joliet, IL
Catholic Charities of Joliet, IL
Diocese of Springfield, IL
Catholic Charities of Springfield, IL
The University of Notre Dame
Diocese of Fort-Wayne-South Bend, IN
Catholic Charities of Fort Wayne-South Bend, IN
St. Anne Home, Indiana
Franciscan Alliance
Our Sunday Visitor
Michigan Catholic Conference
Archdiocese of St. Louis, MO
Catholic Charities of St. Louis, MO
Diocese of Jackson, MS
Catholic Charities of Jackson, MS
Vicksburg Catholic School
St. Joseph's Catholic School
Diocese of Biloxi, MS
De I'Epee Deaf Center, Inc., Biloxi, MS
Catholic Social and Community Services, Inc., Biloxi, MS
Resurrection Catholic School, Pascagoula, MS
St. Dominic Health Services, Jackson, MS
Diocese of Rockville Centre
Catholic Health Services of Long Island
Catholic Charities of Rockville Centre
Archdiocese of New York
ArchCare
Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH
Diocese of Erie, PA
St. Martin Center, Erie, PA
Prince of Peace Center
Diocese of Pittsburgh, PA
Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh, PA
Catholic Cemeteries Association of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, PA
Diocese of Dallas, TX
Diocese of Fort Worth, TX
  Religions should not and will not be bullied into violating their 
beliefs.
  A government edict is not a substitute for religious doctrine.
  It is a sad day in our country when groups have to sue the Government 
in order to protect a basic right guaranteed in our Constitution.
  And that's just the way it is.

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