Ind. Diocese Exempt from Contraceptive Mandate

A federal judge has ruled in favor of the Northern Indiana Diocese granting an exemption to Obamacare's contraceptive mandate.

The judge wrote that the harm likely to be caused by the mandate "is imminent and irreparable."

However, religious organizations across the nation that have not been granted exemption of the mandate will be subject to it effective New Year's Day.

They must provide their employees with insurance coverage that includes access to contraceptives, even if doing so violates their faith. Failure to comply can result in crippling fines.

Mark Rienzi, senior counsel with the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, said some ministries are likely to cease operations rather than violate their religious convictions.