Thursday, September 19, 2013
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak issued the following statement about Oklahoma Wesleyan University’s lawsuit against the United States Department of Health and Human Services for requiring the evangelical Christian university to pay for abortion-inducing drugs.
“This lawsuit has my full support. Like Oklahoma Wesleyan University and its courageous president, Dr. Everett Piper, I believe any mandate that requires religious institutions to cover drugs against their deeply held religious beliefs is not only morally offensive, but unconstitutional as well. Under Obamacare, millions must either comply and abandon their conscience, or resist and be fined for their faith.This is a flawed, overreaching law that must be stopped. Religious freedoms must be protected,” said Doak.
Dr. Everett Piper, President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, explained the factors that led to the lawsuit in a blog for the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.
“We are filing suit because we believe God defines what is living and what is dead; you and I do not. We believe human beings are unique and exceptional and, unlike other creatures, we are made in the likeness of God. We believe that the life of all people regardless of their status, age, race, gender, vitality, or handicap should be protected and defended. It is God and God alone who can give and take human life,” said Piper.
About the Oklahoma Insurance Department
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.
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For more information contact:
Kelly Collins
(405) 522-0683