Roman Catholic dioceses file suits against Obamacare

Scores of Roman Catholic dioceses, schools and other religious organizations are suing the Obama administration over a mandate in the President's health care overhaul. Dozens of institutions filed the suits against the healthcare bill on Monday.

The bill passed by the Democratic Party during a partisan lame-duck congressional session in 2010 is already under fire by more than half the states and most American people disapprove of the legislation. The Supreme Court is set to decide on the constitutionality of the health care law's mandate requiring almost every American to purchase health insurance or pay steep fines. Now, the bill infamously referred to as Obamacare, is under fire for mandating churches, schools and other religious organizations to cover birth control in their health care insurance plans. The lawsuits are being filed around the country in federal courts and represent the largest religious push back against the mandate since President Barack Obama announced the specifics of that portion of policy in January. Many church leaders and affiliates say the requirement violates religious freedom. The original exemption for religious groups allowed houses of worship to opt-out, but keeps the requirement in place for religiously affiliated charities. Obama has offered to relax his rules so that insurers would pay for birth control instead of religious groups. However, bishops say the exception doesn't go far enough. Among those suing are the University of Notre Dame, the Archdioceses of Washington and Michigan and the Catholic University of America.