Temporary Relief For Philadelphia Archdiocese From State Fines Under Affordable Care Act
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A federal appeals court on Friday temporarily delayed enforcement of an order that would have imposed steep fines on the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for its refusal to pay for birth control under the Affordable Care Act.
The $160,000-a-day fines would have kicked in Monday -- the same day the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule in a similar battle involving for-profit companies.
The stay gives the church and it's affiliated chartities time to evaluate that decision and decide on whether to keep fighting.
Archbishop Charles Chaput issued a statement Friday saying he's grateful for the ruling and the Archdiocese will "continue to stand up for religious liberty."
Under the Affordable Care Act, churches are exempt from the birth control mandate, but its non-profits must submit a form requesting that they not be charged for contraception.