Posted: 02/01/2012
MIAMI - The top Catholic bishop in Florida says he "cannot" and "will not comply" with a federal mandate that church-affiliated institutions must cover free birth control for employees.
Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski is one of many religious leaders calling for the Obama administration rule to be overturned.
Bills to do that have been introduced in Congress by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Nebraska Congressman Jeff Fortenberry.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said after winning the Florida primary that he'll reverse the contraceptive mandate if he's elected president. Newt Gingrich, who finished second, pledged to repeal "every anti-religious act of the Obama administration."
Fortenberry says no Catholic leader should have to beg the president to be excused from violating his conscience.
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