Earlier this year, the Obama administration announced that employers would now be forced to cover all costs for contraception and even abortion-inducing drugs. After a torrent of protest, the administration made an exception for religious organizations. The outcry against the mandate extends far beyond faith-based groups. Hercules Industries of Denver, Colorado, filed suit against the government in April, contending the mandate conflicted with the deep Christian faith of the owners of the firm. The government fought back, claiming that since Hercules makes HVAC equipment and is not a faith-based organization that is cannot be exempted from the new rules. Therefore, Hercules Industries had to comply with the law or face onerous fines. Hercules sought an injunction in federal court and received one last week. Hercules Vice President Andy Newland tells us how this court fight began, what benefits are already offered to his employees and what the reaction has been to this court fight from his company and across the nation. Matt Bowman of the Alliance Defending Freedom is representing Hercules Industries in court. He says the government mandate on contraception is blatantly unconstitutional and he expects the case to be watched very closely by the Catholic Church and other challengers to the mandate.
