Recently a fire storm erupted when the Obama administration announced that it would force virtually all employers to provide birth control and abortifactants (the morning after pill) regardless of religious belief.

It appears that the administration has back off, now only requiring insurance providers to provide the drug. But the mere fact that this was considered shows, the disregard for the Constitution and religion of this administration.

The First Amendment to the Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This was trampled over by Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. It is a central tenant in Roman Catholicism not to mention many other religions against birth control and abortifactants. The HHS was ready to force millions of people to violate their beliefs or face government action.

It was claimed that their was an opt out for religious employers, but it was so narrow and convoluted it seemed it could only apply to houses or worship, if at all, it excluded numerous religious organizations such as hospitals and charities, who were apparently not religious enough for this administration.

Whether or not one believes in abortion, or is even a Christian, they should still be troubled by this. At its heart it is not an issue of abortion or birth control, but of the basic human right to freedom of religion. This is America’s most fundamental right, this nation was founded by people escaping religious persecution and seeking a place where they can follow their conscious.

Even with the so called “compromise,” it will force people through their insurance premiums to pay for drugs they are opposed to on religious grounds. This is a clear violation of the First Amendment and 400 years of American tradition and values.

Thankfully the Catholic Bishops are not giving in, and I hope all people of faith will stand with them.