Reps. Precourt, Stargel Back Pam Bondi over Birth-Control Edict

State Reps. Steve Precourt, R-Orlando, and Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, issued the following statement backing Attorney General Pam Bondi in the challenge against the White House regulation to require religious-affiliated organizations, such as hospitals, schools and other community outreach programs to purchase employee health insurance that covers birth control and abortion-inducing drugs:

"Tallahassee, Fla. Following the decision by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to join the multistate lawsuit challenging the Obama administrations mandate forcing religious organizations to provide health insurance covering contraceptives, abortifacients and related services, State Representatives Steve Precourt (R-Orlando) and Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) issued the following statement:

"We applaud Attorney General Pam Bondis decision to join the six other states fighting to protect the religious freedoms granted to every American through our Constitution. The federal government has no place to regulate religion.

"While we appreciate the Obama administrations decision to make some changes to the mandate, unfortunately the recent accommodations offered by the administration will still force religious organizations that provide important services such as education, social work and charity to violate their own conscience. We look forward to seeing the religious freedoms of every American upheld in court."