Historically, conscience provisions have been supported by Republicans and Democrats alike.  First enacted in 1973, conscience laws protect those who refuse to participate in abortions or oppose contraception for moral or religious reasons and may face discrimination. I am concerned that the Administration has attempted to rescind this rule, and I have previously signed a letter to President Obama urging him to preserve it. 

Like most Idahoans, I believe that religiously-affiliated organizations, such as religious charities, schools, and universities and hospitals, should not be compelled by the Federal government to purchase insurance policies for their employees that violate their long standing religious convictions.  An across-the-board mandate like the one offered last Congress by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to require religious institutions to provide insurance coverage for contraception ignores the constitutionally protected right to religious freedom.