Population out of Control? —Missouri and Religion say it ‘s OK
Missouri lawmakers enacted new religious exemptions from insurance coverage of birth control Wednesday, overriding a gubernatorial veto and delivering a political rebuke to an Obama adminstration policy requiring insurers to cover contraception.
The Republican-led House and Senate each met the two-thirds majority needed to override the veto by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon, who had asserted the measure was unnecessary and could allow insurers to refuse contraception coverage for women who want it.
The Senate vote was 26-6. The House vote was 109-45, the bare minimum needed for an override. The legislation took effect immediately as Missouri law.
“This bill is about protecting our religious liberties. This bill is about protecting businesses from the overreach of government,” said Rep. Sandy Crawford, R-Buffalo, who handled the legislation in the House.
The new Missouri law allows individuals, employers and insurers to cite religious or moral exemptions from mandatory insurance coverage for abortion, contraception and sterilization. It also gives the state attorney general - or other individuals and entities - grounds to file lawsuits claiming an infringement of rights if they are compelled to cover contraception.