Case: East Texas Baptist University v. Sebelius

4:12-cv-03009 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas

Filed Date: Oct. 9, 2012

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is one of many lawsuits brought challenging the Obama administration's 2012 Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate requiring employers to pay for employees' contraception and abortifacients via medical insurance coverage. Many religious hospitals, charities, universities, and other enterprises owned or controlled by religious organizations and individuals who opposed contraception on moral grounds argued the mandate violated their religious beliefs. For a full list of these cases please s…

This is one of many lawsuits brought challenging the Obama administration's 2012 Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate requiring employers to pay for employees' contraception and abortifacients via medical insurance coverage. Many religious hospitals, charities, universities, and other enterprises owned or controlled by religious organizations and individuals who opposed contraception on moral grounds argued the mandate violated their religious beliefs. For a full list of these cases please see our collection of the Contraception Insurance Mandate cases here.

On October 9, 2012, two Baptist universities filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. They alleged violations of their rights under the First Amendment, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act ("RFRA"), and the Administrative Procedure Act ("APA") (5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.) by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury. The plaintiffs, represented by private counsel and the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, asked the court for declaratory and injunctive relief, alleging that federal rules adopted pursuant to the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) violated their religious freedom and free speech rights by requiring them to provide coverage for contraception through their group health insurance plans. Claiming that providing contraceptive coverage would both defy their Baptist faith and compel speech contrary to their beliefs, the plaintiffs sought an exemption from the ACA's contraception mandate for themselves and other organizations with similar religious objections.

On March 8, 2013, Westminster Theological Seminary filed a motion to intervene, and the court allowed intervention. On December 27, 2013, the District Court (Judge Lee H. Rosenthal) granted partial summary judgment to the plaintiffs on their RFRA claim and preliminarily enjoined the government from enforcing the ACA contraception insurance mandate against the plaintiffs. 988 F.Supp.2d 743.

On February 24, 2014, the government appealed the case to the Fifth Circuit. On April 28, 2014, the Fifth Circuit consolidated this case with University of Texas v. Sebelius and Roman Catholic Diocese of Beaumont v. Sebelius. On January 19, 2015, the Fifth Circuit denied the plaintiffs’ request for hearing en banc. On June 22, 2015, the Fifth Circuit (Judge Jerry E. Smith) reversed the relevant district court holdings that the requirement to notify the government of their religious objection to the contraceptive services mandate violated RFRA. 793 F.3d 449. On July 2, 2015, the court denied the request of plaintiff Westminster Theological Seminary to stay the mandate or rehear the case. On September 30, 2015, the court denied the plaintiffs’ request for rehearing en banc, but granted the plaintiffs’ motion to stay on October 7, 2015, pending filing of a petition for writ of certiorari. 807 F.3d 630.

On November 6, 2015, the Supreme Court granted certiorari in this case to consider whether notifying the federal government by signing a form identifying the employer as a religious nonprofit that objects to the contraceptive services mandate (so that the government can work with the insurer or benefits provider to ensure employees have contraceptive coverage) violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, or constituted the least restrictive means of achieving a compelling government interest. This case was consolidated with six other cases dealing with this issue. Together, the cases are known as Zubik v. Burwell.

This case was argued in the Supreme Court on March 23, 2016. On March 29, 2016, in an unusual move, the Court directed the parties to file supplemental briefs suggesting a solution to their disagreement, in which employees could still receive contraception coverage without employers giving any notice to the government. On May 16, 2016, the Court issued a per curiam order remanding all seven cases to their respective courts of appeals, ordering the lower courts to give the parties time to come to agreement on an approach that that "accommodates petitioners’ religious exercise while at the same time ensuring that women covered by petitioners’ health plans 'receive full and equal health coverage, including contraceptive coverage.'" 578 U.S. 403. The Court took no position on the merits of this case.

Back in the Fifth Circuit, the parties submitted a series of status reports indicating they had entered into settlement negotiations with the new Trump administration. On Oct. 16, 2017, the parties filed a joint motion to voluntarily dismiss the appeal, which the court granted on Oct. 19. Despite granting the joint motion, the parties continued to submit a series of status reports through 2018. On January 2, 2019, Secretary Azar filed an unopposed motion to dismiss the appeal. It was granted by the Court the following day.

On January 10, 2019, the plaintiffs filed an unopposed motion to lift the case’s stay and to amend the December 2013 order that enjoined the government from requiring them to cover certain contraceptives under the Affordable Care Act. They wanted the Court to clarify that the injunction applied to the current and ensuing versions of the regulations at issue and that it applied only to the extent that the regulations would require Plaintiffs to violate their beliefs.

This motion was prompted by developments regarding the regulations at issue. In late 2017, the government issued Interim Final Rules (IFR) revising its stance on the accommodation granted to religious employers regarding contraception. Two courts have since issued nationwide preliminary injunctions against the expanded religious exemption under the APA: Pennsylvania v. Trump, 2017 WL 6398465 (E.D. Pa. Dec. 15, 2017); California v. HHS, 2017 WL 6524627 (N.D. Cal. Dec. 21, 2017).

To avoid creating confusion or conflicting obligations, the Court deferred ruling on the plaintiffs’ motion, pending developments in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Third Circuit. On August 2, 2019, the Court denied the plaintiffs' motion without prejudice, which would give the plaintiffs the opportunity to renew their motion as long as they could explain the impact of any opinions from several identified, related cases. As of May 14, 2020, there has been no docket activity subsequent to this order.

 

Summary Authors

Hannah Swanson (3/15/2013)

Mallory Jones (2/18/2014)

Kate Craddock (6/12/2016)

Virginia Weeks (11/9/2017)

Michael Beech (3/9/2019)

Hope Brinn (5/14/2020)

Related Cases

Geneva College v. Sebelius, Western District of Pennsylvania (2012)

Roman Catholic Archbishop of Washington v. Sebelius, District of Columbia (2012)

Priests for Life v. Sebelius, District of Columbia (2013)

Southern Nazarene University v. Sebelius, Western District of Oklahoma (2013)

Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged v. Sebelius, District of Colorado (2013)

Zubik v. Burwell [II], Western District of Pennsylvania (2013)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4392896/parties/east-texas-baptist-university-v-sebelius/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney for Defendant

AUSA, Jacek Pruski (Texas)

AUSA, Julie Saltman (Texas)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Altmeyer, Helen Campbell (Texas)

Andrapalliyal, Vinita (Texas)

AUSA, Christopher R (Texas)

Judge(s)

Clement, Edith Brown (Louisiana)

Dennis, James L. (Louisiana)

Jones, Edith Hollan (Texas)

Rosenthal, Lee Hyman (Texas)

Smith, Jerry Edwin (Texas)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Altmeyer, Helen Campbell (Texas)

Andrapalliyal, Vinita (Texas)

AUSA, Christopher R (Texas)

Baer, Michael H (Texas)

Baskin, David L. (Texas)

Berndt, Amanda A. (Texas)

Bildtsen, Ann M (Texas)

Bradley, Mary L. (Texas)

Bremer, Laura C. (Texas)

Brown, Bruce L. (Texas)

Broyde, Channah S. (Texas)

Butler, Paul Timothy (Texas)

Castillo, Paul David (Texas)

Chicago, AUSA - (Texas)

Cho, James R. (Texas)

Chung, Evelyn Hyun-Jung (Texas)

Cohen, Bradley H. (Texas)

Cordaro, Joseph Nicholas (Texas)

Cranford, Margaret Terry (Texas)

Culp, James E. (Texas)

Cummings, Julie A.K. (Texas)

Darling, Rose (Texas)

Davila, Tina D (Texas)

Dickman, Mary M. (Texas)

Dodson, Joe Michael (Texas)

Edwards, Karla Jackson (Texas)

Elias, Stacy E. (Texas)

Epstein, Matthew R. (Texas)

Fisher, Jeremy K. (Texas)

Foster, Angela R. (Texas)

Gillingham, James Garland (Texas)

Goldsmith, Aaron Steven (Texas)

Goldstein, Elena Stacy (Texas)

Goldstein, Nathan P. (Texas)

Gurka, Ronald (Texas)

Hague, Dana Marie (Texas)

Harris, LaShanta (Texas)

Harwood, Ann Elizabeth (Texas)

Hurt, Brian L. (Texas)

Jafek, Timothy Bart (Texas)

Johns, Michelle C. (Texas)

Johnson, Jaslyn W. (Texas)

Jr, Kenneth D (Texas)

Kade, Elizabeth L (Texas)

Keen, Stanley Edward (Texas)

Kim, Grace A. (Texas)

Kishore, Deepthy (Texas)

Kopplin, Rebecca Michelle (Texas)

Kruse, Elizabeth Marie (Texas)

Lawson, Kelly M. (Texas)

Lee, Jason (Texas)

LeMar, Harold William (Texas)

Loos, Glenn M. (Texas)

Martin, Sean E. (Texas)

McEckron, Brooke D. (Texas)

McLeod, Tyler (Texas)

Merritt, Robert C. (Texas)

Miller, Jeremiah (Texas)

Mock, Jasand Patric (Texas)

Moore, Christina Bahr (Texas)

Moukalif, Monica R. (Texas)

Newton, Emily Sue (Texas)

Oswald, Craig Arthur (Texas)

Parker, Andrea Hedrick (Texas)

Parker-DOJ, Tami C (Texas)

Parry, Robin Springberg (Texas)

Paul, Melanie L. (Texas)

Peterson, Benton G (Texas)

Pharo, William George (Texas)

Pomeroy, Richard L. (Texas)

Reuveni, Erez (Texas)

Riess, Daniel M (Texas)

Roberts, Charles E. (Texas)

Robertson, Rebecca Lynn (Texas)

Rodenhausen, Patricia Manning (Texas)

Rothfeder, Lindsey (Texas)

Shepherd, Matt Stephen (Texas)

Silver, Ronald K. (Texas)

Singh, Rukhsanah L. (Texas)

Smith, M Patricia (Texas)

Smith, Mary Patricia (Texas)

Snell, Kevin Matthew (Texas)

Stahl, Thomas C (Texas)

Stark, Benjamin Andrew (Texas)

Stearns, Tara E. (Texas)

Strait, Adam David (Texas)

Taffe, Christopher V. (Texas)

Tarczynska, Dominika Natalia (Texas)

Terrell, Mia F. (Texas)

Theis, John Kenneth (Texas)

Thorp, Galen (Texas)

Tzagoloff, Lydia (Texas)

Vieyra, Sheryl L. (Texas)

Walter, Robert L. (Texas)

Wilson, Sarah S (Texas)

Wofford, Lindsay A. (Texas)

Wolfe, Jane B. (Texas)

Yu, Li (Texas)

Zimpleman, Thomas D. (Texas)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

4:12-cv-03009

Docket

Aug. 2, 2019

Aug. 2, 2019

Docket
1

4:12-cv-03009

Complaint

Oct. 9, 2012

Oct. 9, 2012

Pleading / Motion / Brief
69

4:12-cv-03009

Plaintiffs' Combined Motion for Partial Summary Judgment and Preliminary Injunction

Aug. 30, 2013

Aug. 30, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief
70

4:12-cv-03009

Plaintiffs' Memorandum in Support of Motion for Partial Summary Judgment and Preliminary Injunction

Aug. 30, 2013

Aug. 30, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief
75

4:12-cv-03009

Weminster Theological Seminary's Motion for Partial Summary Judgmen and Preliminary Injunction

Sept. 9, 2013

Sept. 9, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief
78

4:12-cv-03009

Defendants' Motion to Dismiss or, in the Alternative, for Summary Judgment

Sept. 20, 2013

Sept. 20, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief
79

4:12-cv-03009

Defendants' Memorandum in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motions for Preliminary Injunction, and in Support of Defendants' Motion to Dismiss or, in the Alternative, for Summary Judgment

Sept. 20, 2013

Sept. 20, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief
86

4:12-cv-03009

Defendants' Motion for a Stay of Litigations Schedule in Light of Lapse of Appropriations

Oct. 1, 2013

Oct. 1, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief
89

4:12-cv-03009

Order

Oct. 3, 2013

Oct. 3, 2013

Order/Opinion
97

4:12-cv-03009

Plaintiff Universities' Combined Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss or for Summary Judgment and Reply in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Prelimiary Injunction and Partial Summary Judgment

Oct. 17, 2013

Oct. 17, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4392896/east-texas-baptist-university-v-sebelius/

Last updated Feb. 15, 2024, 3:19 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants (Filing fee $ 350 receipt number 0541-10426125) filed by Houston Baptist University, East Texas Baptist University. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 10/09/2012)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

Oct. 9, 2012

Oct. 9, 2012

PACER
2

MOTION for Eric Rassbach to Appear Pro Hac Vice by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed. Motion Docket Date 10/30/2012. (Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 10/09/2012)

Oct. 9, 2012

Oct. 9, 2012

PACER
3

MOTION for Eric Baxter to Appear Pro Hac Vice by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed. Motion Docket Date 10/30/2012. (Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 10/09/2012)

Oct. 9, 2012

Oct. 9, 2012

PACER
4

ORDER for Initial Pretrial and Scheduling Conference and Order to Disclose Interested Persons. Initial Conference set for 12/20/2012 at 08:45 AM in Courtroom 11B before Judge Lee H Rosenthal(Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(mlothmann) (Entered: 10/10/2012)

Oct. 10, 2012

Oct. 10, 2012

PACER
5

ORDER granting 2 Motion for Eric Rassbach to Appear Pro Hac Vice.(Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(sbyrum, ) (Entered: 10/15/2012)

Oct. 13, 2012

Oct. 13, 2012

PACER
6

ORDER granting 3 Motion for Eric Baxter to Appear Pro Hac Vice.(Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(sbyrum, ) (Entered: 10/15/2012)

Oct. 13, 2012

Oct. 13, 2012

PACER

(Disregard Docket Entry) Summons Issued as to Department Of Health And Human Services, filed.(wbostic, ) Modified on 10/16/2012 (wbostic, ).

Oct. 16, 2012

Oct. 16, 2012

PACER

Summons Issued as to Department of Treasury, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General, filed.(wbostic, )

Oct. 16, 2012

Oct. 16, 2012

PACER

Summons Issued as to Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General, filed.(wbostic, )

Oct. 16, 2012

Oct. 16, 2012

PACER

Summons Issued as to Department Of Labor, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General, filed.(wbostic, )

Oct. 16, 2012

Oct. 16, 2012

PACER

Summons Issued as to Hilda L. Solis, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General, filed.(wbostic, )

Oct. 16, 2012

Oct. 16, 2012

PACER

Summons Issued as to Timothy Geithner, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General, filed.(wbostic, )

Oct. 16, 2012

Oct. 16, 2012

PACER

Summons Issued as to Department Of Health And Human Services, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General, filed.(wbostic, )

Oct. 16, 2012

Oct. 16, 2012

PACER
7

RETURN of Service of SUMMONS Executed as to Kathleen Sebelius served on 10/31/2012, answer due 12/31/2012, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 11/28/2012)

Nov. 28, 2012

Nov. 28, 2012

PACER
8

RETURN of Service of SUMMONS Executed as to Department Of Health And Human Services served on 10/31/2012, answer due 12/31/2012, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 11/28/2012)

Nov. 28, 2012

Nov. 28, 2012

PACER
9

RETURN of Service of SUMMONS Executed as to Hilda L. Solis served on 10/31/2012, answer due 12/31/2012, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 11/28/2012)

Nov. 28, 2012

Nov. 28, 2012

PACER
10

RETURN of Service of SUMMONS Executed as to Department Of Labor served on 10/31/2012, answer due 12/31/2012, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 11/28/2012)

Nov. 28, 2012

Nov. 28, 2012

PACER
11

RETURN of Service of SUMMONS Executed as to Timothy Geithner served on 10/31/2012, answer due 12/31/2012, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 11/28/2012)

Nov. 28, 2012

Nov. 28, 2012

PACER
12

RETURN of Service of SUMMONS Executed as to Department of Treasury served on 10/31/2012, answer due 12/31/2012, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 11/28/2012)

Nov. 28, 2012

Nov. 28, 2012

PACER
13

RETURN of Service Executed as to U.S. Attorney on 10/29/2012 re: Summonses, Complaint, Notice of Related Cases, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 11/28/2012)

Nov. 28, 2012

Nov. 28, 2012

PACER
14

RETURN of Service Executed as to U.S. Attorney General on 10/31/2012 re: Summonses, Complaint, Notice of Related Cases, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 11/28/2012)

Nov. 28, 2012

Nov. 28, 2012

PACER
15

CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PARTIES by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 11/30/2012)

Nov. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

PACER
16

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 11/30/2012)

Nov. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

PACER
17

NOTICE by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed. (Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 11/30/2012)

Nov. 30, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

PACER
18

Opposed MOTION for Continuance of Initial Pretrial and Scheduling Conference by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, Timothy Geithner, Kathleen Sebelius, Hilda L. Solis, filed. Motion Docket Date 12/26/2012. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 12/05/2012)

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Dec. 5, 2012

Dec. 5, 2012

PACER
19

RESPONSE in Opposition to 18 Opposed MOTION for Continuance of Initial Pretrial and Scheduling Conference, filed by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University. (Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 12/05/2012)

Dec. 5, 2012

Dec. 5, 2012

PACER
20

PROPOSED ORDER re: 19 Response in Opposition to Motion, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 12/06/2012)

Dec. 6, 2012

Dec. 6, 2012

PACER
21

REPLY in Support of 18 Opposed MOTION for Continuance of Initial Pretrial and Scheduling Conference, filed by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, Timothy Geithner, Kathleen Sebelius, Hilda L. Solis. (Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 12/06/2012)

Dec. 6, 2012

Dec. 6, 2012

PACER
22

ORDER entered DENYING 18 Opposed MOTION for Continuance of Initial Pretrial and Scheduling Conference. The conference will proceed on 12/20/12 as scheduled. (Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(leddins, ) (Entered: 12/06/2012)

Dec. 6, 2012

Dec. 6, 2012

RECAP
23

REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, East Texas Baptist University, Timothy Geithner, Houston Baptist University, Kathleen Sebelius, Hilda L. Solis, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 12/10/2012)

Dec. 10, 2012

Dec. 10, 2012

PACER
24

Opposed MOTION to Stay Discovery Pending Resolution of Motion to Dismiss by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, Timothy Geithner, Kathleen Sebelius, Hilda L. Solis, filed. Motion Docket Date 1/2/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Order Staying Discovery in Ave Maria, # 2 Proposed Order)(Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 12/12/2012)

1 Exhibit Order Staying Discovery in Ave Maria

View on PACER

2 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Dec. 12, 2012

Dec. 12, 2012

PACER
25

Minute Entry for proceedings before the Hon. Lee H. Rosenthal. Initial conference held on December 20, 2012. After hearing from both parties, and for the reasons stated on the record, the court ordered that the case is stayed. During the stay, the parties are required to submit status reports that are no longer than three pages every 60 days. A status conference is set for April 1, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. Appearances:Eric Rassbach for Pltfs. and Jacek Pruski/Daniel Hu for Defts. (Court Reporter: C. Barron), filed.(leddins, ) (Entered: 12/21/2012)

Dec. 20, 2012

Dec. 20, 2012

PACER
26

AO 435 TRANSCRIPT ORDER FORM by Diana Verm. This is to order a transcript of Scheduling Conference held on 12/20/2012 before Judge Lee H Rosenthal. Deposit amount $90.00. Court Reporter/Transcriber: C. Barron, filed. (bthomas, ) (Entered: 01/14/2013)

Jan. 14, 2013

Jan. 14, 2013

PACER
27

TRANSCRIPT re: Scheduling Conference held on 12-20-2012 before Judge Lee H Rosenthal. Court Reporter/Transcriber cbarron. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 4/30/2013., filed. (cbarron, ) (Entered: 01/30/2013)

Jan. 30, 2013

Jan. 30, 2013

PACER
28

Notice of Filing of Official Transcript as to 27 Transcript. Party notified, filed. (klinds, ) (Entered: 01/31/2013)

Jan. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

PACER
29

MOTION for Diana Marie Verm to Appear Pro Hac Vice by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed. Motion Docket Date 3/1/2013. (Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 02/08/2013)

Feb. 8, 2013

Feb. 8, 2013

PACER
30

ORDER granting 29 Motion for Diana Marie Verm to Appear Pro Hac Vice.(Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(sbyrum, ) (Entered: 02/15/2013)

Feb. 15, 2013

Feb. 15, 2013

PACER
31

STATUS REPORT by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 02/15/2013)

Feb. 15, 2013

Feb. 15, 2013

PACER
32

STATUS REPORT by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, Timothy Geithner, Kathleen Sebelius, Hilda L. Solis, filed.(Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 02/18/2013)

Feb. 18, 2013

Feb. 18, 2013

PACER
33

AO 435 TRANSCRIPT ORDER FORM by Jacek Pruski. This is to order a transcript of scheduling conference held on 12/20/12 before Judge Lee H Rosenthal (orginary/first copy). Court Reporter/Transcriber: C. Barron, filed. (jdav, ) (Entered: 03/05/2013)

March 5, 2013

March 5, 2013

PACER
34

AO 435 TRANSCRIPT ORDER FORM by Kenneth R. Wynne. This is to order a transcript of Scheduling Conference held on 12/20/12 before Judge Lee H Rosenthal (Copy). Deposit amount $17.10. Court Reporter/Transcriber: C. Barron, filed. (klinds, ) (Entered: 03/08/2013)

March 8, 2013

March 8, 2013

PACER
35

Opposed MOTION to Intervene by Westminster Theological Seminary, filed. Motion Docket Date 3/29/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Complaint in Intervention, # 2 Proposed Order)(Wynne, Kenneth) (Entered: 03/08/2013)

1 Exhibit Complaint in Intervention

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2 Proposed Order

View on PACER

March 8, 2013

March 8, 2013

PACER
36

NOTICE of Appearance by James E. Zucker on behalf of East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed. (Zucker, James) (Entered: 03/11/2013)

March 11, 2013

March 11, 2013

PACER
37

NOTICE of Appearance by Reagan W. Simpson on behalf of East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed. (Zucker, James) (Entered: 03/11/2013)

March 11, 2013

March 11, 2013

PACER
38

RESPONSE to 35 Opposed MOTION to Intervene filed by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, Timothy Geithner, Kathleen Sebelius, Hilda L. Solis. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Denying Motion to Intervene as Plaintiff)(Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 03/28/2013)

1 Proposed Order Denying Motion to Intervene as Plaintiff

View on PACER

March 28, 2013

March 28, 2013

PACER
40

Minute entry for proceedings before the Hon. Lee H. Rosenthal. Status conference held on April 1, 2013. The court heard arguments on Westminster Theological Seminary's opposed motion to intervene, (Docket Entry No. 35). The court ordered the parties to file a statement by April 15, 2013 explaining the relationship between Westminster's position and that of East Texas Baptist University, whether the government agrees that the safe harbor applies to Westminster, and how this affects the parties' positions on the appropriateness of intervention. A hearing is set for August 2, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. Appearances: Eric Christopher Rassbach, (by phone) for Pltfs, Jacek Pruski(by phone)/Daniel Hu for the Government and Kenneth Wynne for Intervenor.(Court Reporter: S. Carlisle), filed.(leddins, ) (Entered: 04/03/2013)

April 1, 2013

April 1, 2013

PACER
39

AO 435 TRANSCRIPT ORDER FORM by Kenneth R. Wynne. This is to order a transcript of Scheduling Conference held on 4/1/13 before Judge Lee H Rosenthal. Court Reporter/Transcriber: S. Carlisle, filed. (klinds, ) (Entered: 04/02/2013)

April 2, 2013

April 2, 2013

PACER
41

AO 435 TRANSCRIPT ORDER FORM by Jacek Pruski. This is to order a transcript of Status Conference held on 4/1/13 before Judge Lee H Rosenthal (Copy). Court Reporter/Transcriber: S Carlisle -Received in Operations email, filed. (smurdock, ) (Entered: 04/04/2013)

April 3, 2013

April 3, 2013

PACER
42

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time To File Statement by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, Timothy Geithner, Kathleen Sebelius, Hilda L. Solis, filed. Motion Docket Date 5/3/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Granting Defendants' Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time)(Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 04/12/2013)

1 Proposed Order Granting Defendants' Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time

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April 12, 2013

April 12, 2013

PACER
43

STATUS REPORT by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 04/15/2013)

April 15, 2013

April 15, 2013

PACER
44

RESPONSE to Directive at April 1 Status Conference, filed by Westminster Theological Seminary. (Wynne, Kenneth) (Entered: 04/15/2013)

April 15, 2013

April 15, 2013

PACER
45

ORDER granting 42 Motion for Extension of Time, to April 19, 2013 to file statement ordered by the Court..(Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(kpicota, ) (Entered: 04/17/2013)

April 15, 2013

April 15, 2013

PACER
46

STATEMENT in Response to Court Order re: 40 Status Conference,,, by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, Timothy Geithner, Kathleen Sebelius, Hilda L. Solis, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Declaration of Teresa Miller)(Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 04/19/2013)

1 Exhibit Declaration of Teresa Miller

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April 19, 2013

April 19, 2013

PACER
47

STATUS REPORT by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, Timothy Geithner, Kathleen Sebelius, Hilda L. Solis, filed.(Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 04/19/2013)

April 19, 2013

April 19, 2013

PACER
48

MOTION for Leave to File Westminster's Response to Defendants' Reply to the Court by Westminster Theological Seminary, filed. Motion Docket Date 5/13/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Westminster's Response to Defendants' Reply to the Court, # 2 Proposed Order)(Wynne, Kenneth) (Entered: 04/22/2013)

1 Westminster's Response to Defendants' Reply to the Court

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2 Proposed Order

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April 22, 2013

April 22, 2013

PACER
49

ORDER granting 48 Motion for Leave to File.(Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(gkelner, ) (Entered: 05/30/2013)

May 29, 2013

May 29, 2013

PACER
50

WESTMINSTER'S RESPONSE to 46 DEFENDANTS' REPLY TO THE COURT, filed by Westminster Theological Seminary. (gkelner, ) (Entered: 05/30/2013)

May 29, 2013

May 29, 2013

PACER
51

STATUS REPORT by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 06/14/2013)

June 14, 2013

June 14, 2013

PACER
52

STATUS REPORT by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, Timothy Geithner, Kathleen Sebelius, Hilda L. Solis, filed.(Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 06/17/2013)

June 17, 2013

June 17, 2013

PACER
53

TRANSCRIPT re: Conference held on April 1, 2013 before Judge Lee H Rosenthal. Court Reporter/Transcriber S. Carlisle. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 9/25/2013., filed. (scarlisle) (Entered: 06/27/2013)

June 27, 2013

June 27, 2013

PACER
54

Notice of Filing of Official Transcript as to 53 Transcript. Party notified, filed. (dhansen, ) (Entered: 06/28/2013)

June 28, 2013

June 28, 2013

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55

STATUS REPORT by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 07/02/2013)

July 2, 2013

July 2, 2013

PACER
56

Unopposed MOTION to Lift Stay by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed. Motion Docket Date 8/20/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 07/30/2013)

1 Proposed Order

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July 30, 2013

July 30, 2013

PACER
57

ORDER granting 56 Motion to Lift Stay.(Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(kpicota) (Entered: 08/01/2013)

July 31, 2013

July 31, 2013

PACER
58

MEMORANDUM by Westminster Theological Seminary, filed.(Wynne, Kenneth) (Entered: 08/02/2013)

Aug. 2, 2013

Aug. 2, 2013

PACER
60

Minute entry for proceedings before the Hon. Lee H. Rosenthal. Status conference held on August 2, 2013. The court heard argument on Westminster's motion to intervene, (Docket Entry No. 35), and will issue a ruling. The parties updated the court on the status of the case and of other cases involving similar issues. The court set the following schedule to decide whether the plaintiffs should be granted a preliminary injunction: The plaintiffs' application for preliminary injunction and motion for partial summary are due by August 30, 2013; the government's preliminary injunction application response, motion for partial summary judgment response, and cross-motion for summary judgment are due by September 20; the plaintiffs' response to the government's summary judgment motion and reply in support of its summary judgment motion are due by October 4; the government's reply in support of its motion for summary judgment is due by October 18. A motion hearing is scheduled for October 25, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom 11-B. The parties will submit a proposed schedule for discovery. Appearances: Eric Rassbach for Pltfs, Daniel Hu/Jacek Pruski(by phone) for Defts. and Kenneth Wynne (by phone) for Intervenor.(Court Reporter: S. Carlisle), filed.(leddins, ) (Entered: 08/05/2013)

Aug. 2, 2013

Aug. 2, 2013

PACER
59

RESPONSE to 58 Memorandum, filed by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, Timothy Geithner, Kathleen Sebelius, Hilda L. Solis. (Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 08/05/2013)

Aug. 5, 2013

Aug. 5, 2013

PACER
61

First AMENDED COMPLAINT with Jury Demand against All Defendants filed by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 08/06/2013)

Aug. 6, 2013

Aug. 6, 2013

RECAP
62

STATUS REPORT by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Joint Motion in D.C. Circuit)(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 08/06/2013)

1 Exhibit Joint Motion in D.C. Circuit

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Aug. 6, 2013

Aug. 6, 2013

PACER
63

STATUS REPORT by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Appendix DC Circuit Order)(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 08/13/2013)

1 Appendix DC Circuit Order

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Aug. 13, 2013

Aug. 13, 2013

PACER
64

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Memorandum in Excess of Page Limits by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed. Motion Docket Date 9/13/2013. (Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 08/23/2013)

Aug. 23, 2013

Aug. 23, 2013

PACER
66

ORDER granting 64 Motion for Leave to File Memorandum in Excess of Page Limits.(Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(kpicota) (Entered: 08/26/2013)

Aug. 23, 2013

Aug. 23, 2013

PACER
65

Unopposed AMENDED 64 MOTION by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed. Motion Docket Date 9/16/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 08/26/2013)

1 Proposed Order

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Aug. 26, 2013

Aug. 26, 2013

PACER
67

ORDER granting 65 Amended Motion for Leave to File Memorandum in Excess of Page Limits.(Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(glyons) (Entered: 08/29/2013)

Aug. 28, 2013

Aug. 28, 2013

PACER
68

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER entered GRANTING 35 Opposed MOTION to Intervene.(Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(leddins, ) (Entered: 08/30/2013)

Aug. 30, 2013

Aug. 30, 2013

RECAP
69

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction, MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment ( Motion Docket Date 9/20/2013.) by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 08/30/2013)

1 Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Aug. 30, 2013

Aug. 30, 2013

RECAP
70

MEMORANDUM in Support re: 69 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C)(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 08/30/2013)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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Aug. 30, 2013

Aug. 30, 2013

PACER
71

First AMENDED with Jury Demand against All Defendants filed by Westminster Theological Seminary.(Wynne, Kenneth) (Entered: 09/03/2013)

Sept. 3, 2013

Sept. 3, 2013

PACER
72

CERTIFIED ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD by Defendants, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Index) (Note: Record is in expandable folder at the Clerk's Office)(dgonzalez, 5) (Entered: 09/04/2013)

1 Index

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Sept. 3, 2013

Sept. 3, 2013

PACER
73

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages by Westminster Theological Seminary, filed. Motion Docket Date 9/25/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Westminster Theological Seminary's Motion for Partial Summary Judgment and Preliminary Injunction, # 2 Exhibit Westminster's Memorandum in Support of Motion for Partial Summary Judgment and Preliminary Injunction, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit A to Westminster's Memorandum, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit B to Westminster's Memorandum, # 5 Proposed Order)(Wynne, Kenneth) (Entered: 09/04/2013)

1 Exhibit Westminster Theological Seminary's Motion for Partial Summary Judgm

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2 Exhibit Westminster's Memorandum in Support of Motion for Partial Summary J

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3 Exhibit Exhibit A to Westminster's Memorandum

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4 Exhibit Exhibit B to Westminster's Memorandum

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5 Proposed Order

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Sept. 4, 2013

Sept. 4, 2013

PACER
74

ORDER granting 73 Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages. (Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(gkelner, 4) (Entered: 09/06/2013)

Sept. 6, 2013

Sept. 6, 2013

PACER
75

MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment and, MOTION for Preliminary Injunction( Motion Docket Date 9/30/2013.) by Westminster Theological Seminary, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Westminster's Memorandum in Support of Motion for Partial Summary Judgment and Preliminary Injunction, # 2 Exhibit A, # 3 Exhibit B)(Wynne, Kenneth) (Entered: 09/09/2013)

1 Westminster's Memorandum in Support of Motion for Partial Summary Judgment

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2 Exhibit A

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3 Exhibit B

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Sept. 9, 2013

Sept. 9, 2013

PACER
76

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, Timothy Geithner, Jacob Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, Hilda L. Solis, filed. Motion Docket Date 10/9/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 09/18/2013)

1 Proposed Order

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Sept. 18, 2013

Sept. 18, 2013

PACER
77

ORDER granting 76 Unpposed MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages. (Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(gkelner, 4) (Entered: 09/19/2013)

Sept. 19, 2013

Sept. 19, 2013

PACER
78

MOTION to Dismiss ( Motion Docket Date 10/11/2013.), MOTION for Summary Judgment by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, Jacob Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 09/20/2013)

1 Proposed Order

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Sept. 20, 2013

Sept. 20, 2013

PACER
79

MEMORANDUM of Law re: 75 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment and MOTION for Preliminary Injunction, 78 MOTION to Dismiss MOTION for Summary Judgment, 69 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, Jacob Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, filed.(Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 09/20/2013)

Sept. 20, 2013

Sept. 20, 2013

PACER
80

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File AMICUS BRIEF by ACLU & ACLU OF TX, filed. Motion Docket Date 10/11/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order, # 2 AMICUS BRIEF)(Robertson, Rebecca) (Entered: 09/20/2013)

1 Proposed Order

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2 AMICUS BRIEF

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Sept. 20, 2013

Sept. 20, 2013

PACER
81

ORDER granting 80 Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File AMICUS BRIEF. (Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(gkelner, 4) (Entered: 09/24/2013)

Sept. 24, 2013

Sept. 24, 2013

PACER
82

Brief of Amici Curiae ACLU and ACLU of Texas Opposing Plaintiffs and Intervenor Plaintiffs Motions for Partial Summary Judgment and Preliminary Injunction re: 75 MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment and MOTION for Preliminary Injunction, 69 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction MOTION for Partial Summary Judgment by ACLU & ACLU OF TX, filed.(gkelner, 4) (Entered: 09/24/2013)

Sept. 24, 2013

Sept. 24, 2013

PACER
83

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed. Motion Docket Date 10/17/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 09/26/2013)

1 Proposed Order

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Sept. 26, 2013

Sept. 26, 2013

PACER
84

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages by Westminster Theological Seminary, filed. Motion Docket Date 10/17/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Wynne, Kenneth) (Entered: 09/26/2013)

1 Proposed Order

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Sept. 26, 2013

Sept. 26, 2013

PACER
85

ORDER granting 83 Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages. (Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(gkelner, 4) (Entered: 09/27/2013)

Sept. 27, 2013

Sept. 27, 2013

PACER
86

Opposed MOTION to Stay Litigation Schedule by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, Timothy Geithner, Jacob Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, Hilda L. Solis, filed. Motion Docket Date 10/22/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 10/01/2013)

1 Proposed Order

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Oct. 1, 2013

Oct. 1, 2013

PACER
87

RESPONSE in Opposition to 86 Opposed MOTION to Stay Litigation Schedule, filed by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 10/01/2013)

1 Proposed Order

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Oct. 1, 2013

Oct. 1, 2013

PACER
88

RESPONSE in Opposition to 86 Opposed MOTION to Stay Litigation Schedule, filed by Westminster Theological Seminary. (Wynne, Kenneth) (Entered: 10/01/2013)

Oct. 1, 2013

Oct. 1, 2013

PACER
89

ORDER granting 86 Opposed MOTION to Stay Litigation Schedule. (Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(gkelner, 4) (Entered: 10/03/2013)

Oct. 3, 2013

Oct. 3, 2013

PACER
90

ORDER granting 84 Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages.(Signed by Judge Lee H Rosenthal) Parties notified.(gkelner, 4) (Entered: 10/03/2013)

Oct. 3, 2013

Oct. 3, 2013

PACER
91

STATUS REPORT by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed.(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 10/11/2013)

Oct. 11, 2013

Oct. 11, 2013

PACER
92

Joint MOTION to Lift Stay by East Texas Baptist University, Houston Baptist University, filed. Motion Docket Date 11/6/2013. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Rassbach, Eric) (Entered: 10/16/2013)

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Oct. 16, 2013

Oct. 16, 2013

PACER
93

RESPONSE to 92 Joint MOTION to Lift Stay filed by Department Of Health And Human Services, Department Of Labor, Department of Treasury, Timothy Geithner, Jacob Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, Hilda L. Solis. (Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 10/17/2013)

Oct. 17, 2013

Oct. 17, 2013

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Texas

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Contraception Insurance Mandate

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Oct. 9, 2012

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Christian colleges opposed to contraception

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (Washington), Federal

U.S. Dept. of Labor (Washington), Federal

U.S. Dept. of the Treasury (Washington), Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Hospital/Health Department

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Religious Freedom Rest. Act/Religious Land Use and Inst. Persons Act (RFRA/RLUIPA)

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Constitutional Clause(s):

Free Exercise Clause

Freedom of speech/association

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Order Duration: 2013 - None

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Discrimination Prohibition

Issues

Reproductive rights:

Abortion

Contraception

General:

Religious programs / policies

School/University policies

Discrimination-basis:

Religion discrimination

Type of Facility:

Non-government non-profit