Biden admin. to pay $210K after trying to force Christian employers to cover trans surgeries
September 27, 2024
The Christian Employers Alliance (CEA) has been awarded a $210,000 settlement with the Biden administration after suing the them for trying to compel Christian employers to provide or pay for health plans covering transgender surgeries.
According to the Christian Post, CEA was represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) in winning the judgement against the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In an announcement confirming the settlement, ADF Senior Counsel Matt Bowman stated, “All employers and health care providers, including those in the Christian Employers Alliance, have the constitutionally protected freedom to conduct their business and render treatment in a manner consistent with their deeply held religious beliefs.”
Bowman added, “We’re pleased to favorably conclude this lawsuit on behalf of our clients and hold the administration accountable for trying to force unlawful mandates that disrespect people of faith.”
The Christian Post reports that in 2016, the Obama administration enacted a final rule under section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act banning discrimination in healthcare based on sexual identity or orientation.
That rule was challenged in court by several states before being repealed by the Trump administration. It was reinstated by the Biden administration in June of 2021 and the CEA filed a complaint in October 2021.
The U.S. District Court of the District of North Dakota granted partial summary judgment in favor of CEA in March of this year, stating, “CEA’s sincerely held religious belief is that male and female are immutable realities defined by biological sex and that gender reassignment is contrary to Christian Values.”
The order also noted, “As a result, performing or providing health care coverage for gender transition services under the EEOC and HHS coverage mandates impinges upon CEA’s beliefs. CEA must either comply with the EEOC and HHS mandates by violating their sincerely held religious beliefs or else face harsh consequences like paying fines and facing civil liability.”
The $210,000 settlement will be used to cover CEA’s legal fees.
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