Phoenix Diocese supports birth control lawsuits

PHOENIX (AP) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix says it welcomes lawsuits filed by other Catholic dioceses and various Catholic organizations to challenge a federal mandate for health plan coverage for birth control.

Phoenix Diocese officials say they’re grateful for the lawsuits but didn’t join them because they’re confident that their concerns and positions will be adequately represented.

The suits filed in eight other states and the District of Columbia challenge a federal mandate that most employers provide workers free birth control as part of their health insurance.

Catholic officials contend that accommodations made by President Barack Obama’s administration don’t go far enough to protect religious freedoms protected by the First Amendment.