Locals react to contraceptive controversy

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Catholic Church is showing its muscle against the federal health care policy mandating religious organizations to include birth control coverage in their health plans.

"A line has been drawn in the sand. We're just not going to accept this. It violates our faith and it's unconstitutional and something has to happen," said Kevin Cullen, Diocese of Lafayette.

The policy which has come under fire required all employers who provide health insurance to their workers to cover basic birth control for women by August of next year.

This policy included Catholic charities, universities, and hospitals which may object to contraceptives.

The Diocese of Lafayette is joining in the nationwide fight against what many are calling a violation of first amendment religious freedom.

Political pressure on President Obama forced changes on the issue. However, here locally, Catholic leaders say they are going to stand their ground, no matter what.

"The church for centuries has opposed abortion and has protected life from conception to natural death," added Kevin Cullen, Diocese of Lafayette.