On March 14th, Judge Audrey Fleissig, a St. Louis Federal district court judge, struck down portions of Missouri law protecting the conscience rights of those objecting to paying for contraceptive coverage and abortion drugs in their health plans. 

Her order attacks the conscience rights and religious liberty of all Missouri citizens, including those that worked to pass SB 749 and that courageously overrode Governor Jay Nixon's veto in September 2012.

Her order is a broad overreach, and would amend current Missouri law and mandate that Churches, houses of worship, and other religious employers provide coverage for contraceptives and abortion-inducing drugs in violation of their religious convictions.

Attorney General Chris Koster's office vigorously defended this statute in court. However, despite the efforts made by his office, and the decisions of other federal judges that the contraceptive mandate violates religious liberty, Judge Fleissig entered an order that was even broader than what was asked for.

Now is the time for Attorney General Koster to show courage and leadership in protecting the religious liberty of all Missourians. Judge Fleissig's order needs to be appealed.  Will he step up and do it? He needs to hear from you today!