"The partnership between Catholic and Evangelical institutions in opposing the HHS mandate is another example of the two religious groups finding common cause in the defense of religious liberty." -- Mark Tooley, IRD President

Contact: Jeff Walton, Institute on Religion and Democracy, 202-682-4131, 202-413-5639 cell, jwalton@TheIRD.org

WASHINGTON, July 19, 2012 /Standard Newswire/ -- A leading Evangelical Christian college has filed a lawsuit opposing the Health and Human Services (HHS) "Preventative Services" mandate in the implementation of Obamacare.

Wheaton College of Wheaton, Illinois joins the Catholic University of America (CUA) of Washington, D.C. in arguing against the controversial mandate, which requires religious employers to either violate their religious beliefs or pay fines. Wheaton and CUA cite religious convictions preventing the institutions from providing abortion-causing drugs to employees.

Evangelical liberal arts institution Colorado Christian University is also suing on religious liberty grounds, alongside Catholic Belmont Abbey College and Ave Maria University.

IRD President Mark Tooley commented:

"Kudos to Wheaton College in standing up for religious liberty and against an unconscionable attempt at government coercion.

"The partnership between Catholic and Evangelical institutions in opposing the HHS mandate is another example of the two religious groups finding common cause in the defense of religious liberty.

"The HHS mandate has been portrayed as a dispute over contraceptive coverage, but it is so much more. Evangelicals and others have correctly identified that infringements upon the religious convictions of Roman Catholics affect them as well."