Case: Michigan Catholic Conference v. Sebelius

1:13-cv-01247 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Filed Date: Nov. 14, 2013

Closed Date: 2017

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On November 14, 2013, a group of Catholic non-profit organizations filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan claiming violations of the First Amendment. According to the plaintiffs, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and the Administrative Procedure Act should have barred the defendant U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from enforcing the the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) contraception insurance requirements, even with its accommodations for n…

On November 14, 2013, a group of Catholic non-profit organizations filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan claiming violations of the First Amendment. According to the plaintiffs, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and the Administrative Procedure Act should have barred the defendant U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from enforcing the the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) contraception insurance requirements, even with its accommodations for non-profit organizations. The plaintiffs sought a declaratory judgment that the mandate was unconstitutional. The plaintiffs also asked for a permanent injunction to keep the government from enforcing any contraception coverage requirement against the organizations and other similarly situated religious non-profits. They alleged that the ACA's religious accommodations were a "shell game" that still in effect required them to provide contraceptive coverage to employees.

On November 20, 2013, the plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary injunction. On December 27, 2013, U.S. District Court (Judge Gordon J. Quist) denied it on the grounds that the ACA accommodations did not substantially burden the plaintiffs' religious freedom under RFRA or cause the plaintiffs irreparable harm. 989 F.Supp.2d 577. The plaintiffs appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. And on January 3, 2014, U.S. District Court (Judge Gordon J. Quist) granted the plaintiff's motion for injunctive relief pending appeal.

On January 13, 2014, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals granted the government's motion to consolidate this appeal with Roman Catholic Diocese of Nashville v. Sebelius. Oral arguments took place on May 8, 2014 before Circuit Judges Karen Nelson Moore and John M. Rogers, and District Judge John Nixon (sitting by designation).

On June 11, 2014, in an opinion by Judge Moore, the Sixth Circuit affirmed the district court's denial of a preliminary injunction for all plaintiffs. Organizations exempt from the contraception mandate faced no burden on the exercise of their religion, and therefore were unlikely to succeed in proving a violation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. 989 F.Supp.2d 577.

On December 18, 2014, the Supreme Court issued a letter notifying the district court that the plaintiff had filed a petition for certiorari regarding the Sixth Circuit's denial of a preliminary injunction. The district court dismissed the defendant's summary judgment motion pending the Supreme Court's decision on the plaintiff's petition. On May 29, 2015, the Supreme Court issued a judgment vacating the denial of the plaintiff's requested preliminary injunction. The Court remanded the case to the Sixth Circuit in light of the Court's decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, which held that the ACA's contraception coverage mandate exemption for religious non-profits should be extended to closely held private corporations.

On August 21, 2015, a Sixth Circuit panel consisting of Judges Moore and Rogers (as well as District Judge Nixon serving by designation) affirmed its previous denial of a preliminary injunction: the plaintiffs—all non-profits rather than closely held corporations—could not show that the ACA's existing exemptions and accommodations placed a substantial burden on them. 807 F.3d 738.

On March 9, 2016, the plaintiffs' again filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court. On June 24, 2016, the Supreme Court issued an order remanding the case to the Sixth Circuit for further consideration in light of Zubik v. Burwell, in which the Court had declined to strike down the existing ACA accommodations for religious non-profits. On November 2, 2017, the plaintiffs entered a joint stipulation of dismissal and the case is now closed.

Summary Authors

Mallory Jones (3/15/2014)

Nathaniel Flack (1/24/2019)

Related Cases

Weingartz Supply Co. v. Sebelius, Eastern District of Michigan (2012)

Right to Life Michigan v. Sebelius, Western District of Michigan (2013)

Roman Catholic Diocese of Nashville v. Sebelius, Middle District of Tennessee (2013)

The Ave Maria Foundation v. Sebelius, Eastern District of Michigan (2013)

Union University v. Sebelius, Western District of Tennessee (2014)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5105103/parties/michigan-catholic-conference-v-sebelius/


Judge(s)

Batchelder, Alice Moore (Ohio)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Bardelli, Edward J. (Michigan)

DeJulius, Leon F. Jr. (Pennsylvania)

Attorney for Defendant

Bennett, Michelle (Michigan)

Delery, Stuart F. (District of Columbia)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1:13-cv-01247

Docket

Nov. 2, 2017

Nov. 2, 2017

Docket
1

1:13-cv-01247

Complaint and Demand for Jury Trial

Nov. 14, 2013

Nov. 14, 2013

Complaint
9

1:13-cv-01247

Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Request for Oral Argument

Nov. 20, 2013

Nov. 20, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief
15

1:13-cv-01247

Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Request for Oral Argument

Nov. 27, 2013

Nov. 27, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief
22

1:13-cv-01247

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

Dec. 16, 2013

Dec. 16, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief
25

1:13-cv-01247

Defendants' Combined Memorandum in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction, and in Support of Motion to Dismiss Or, In the alternative, for Summary Judgment

Dec. 17, 2013

Dec. 17, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief
40

1:13-cv-01247

Opinion

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Order/Opinion

989 F.Supp.2d 577

41

1:13-cv-01247

Order Denying Motion for Preliminary Injunction

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Order/Opinion
43

1:13-cv-01247

Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction Pending Appeal

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief
44

1:13-cv-01247

Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction Pending Appeal

Dec. 27, 2013

Dec. 27, 2013

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/5105103/michigan-catholic-conference-v-sebelius/

Last updated June 19, 2026, 6:17 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Nov. 14, 2013

COMPLAINT with jury demand against All Defendants filed by Michigan Catholic Conference, Catholic Family Services d/b/a Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E)(Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 11/14/2013)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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4 Exhibit D

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5 Exhibit E

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2 Nov. 14, 2013

Continued EXHIBIT re 1 Complaint by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services d/b/a Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo, Michigan Catholic Conference (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit F, # 2 Exhibit G, # 3 Exhibit H)(Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 11/14/2013)

1 Exhibit F

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2 Exhibit G

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3 Exhibit H

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3 Nov. 14, 2013

PROPOSED SUMMONS to be issued re 1 (Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 11/14/2013)

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4 Nov. 14, 2013

MOTION for leave to file excess pages by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services d/b/a Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo, Michigan Catholic Conference; (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Proposed Order)(Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 11/14/2013)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Proposed Order

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5 Nov. 14, 2013

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Michigan Catholic Conference (Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 11/14/2013)

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6 Nov. 14, 2013

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Catholic Family Services d/b/a Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo (Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 11/14/2013)

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Nov. 14, 2013

RECEIPT: Filing fee in the amount of $400.00 paid by Matthew A. Kairis, receipt number 0646-2735591; (ns)

7 Nov. 15, 2013

NOTICE that this case has been assigned to Judge Gordon J. Quist (pjw) (Entered: 11/15/2013)

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8 Nov. 15, 2013

SUMMONS ISSUED as to defendants Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (pjw) (Entered: 11/15/2013)

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9 Nov. 20, 2013

MOTION for preliminary injunction and request for oral argument by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference; (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 11/20/2013)

1 Proposed Order

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10 Nov. 20, 2013

AMENDED MOTION for leave to file excess pages for Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference; (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit A attached to Ex. 1, # 4 Exhibit B attached to Ex. 1, # 5 Exhibit C attached to Ex. 1)(Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 11/20/2013)

1 Proposed Order

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2 Exhibit 1

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3 Exhibit A attached to Ex. 1

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4 Exhibit B attached to Ex. 1

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5 Exhibit C attached to Ex. 1

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11 Nov. 27, 2013

Continued (Part 1 of 3) EXHIBIT re 15 Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction Attached as Ex. 1 to Plaintiffs' Amended Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages for Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit D attached to Ex. 1, # 2 Exhibit E attached to Ex. 1, # 3 Exhibit F attached to Ex. 1, # 4 Exhibit G attached to Ex. 1, # 5 Exhibit H attached to Ex. 1)(Kairis, Matthew) Modified file date and document link on 12/2/2013 (pjw) (Entered: 11/20/2013)

1 Exhibit D attached to Ex. 1

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2 Exhibit E attached to Ex. 1

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3 Exhibit F attached to Ex. 1

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4 Exhibit G attached to Ex. 1

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5 Exhibit H attached to Ex. 1

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12 Nov. 27, 2013

Continued (Part 2 of 3) EXHIBIT re 15 Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction Attached as Ex. 1 to Plaintiffs' Amended Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages for Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit I attached to Ex. 1, # 2 Exhibit J attached to Ex. 1, # 3 Exhibit K attached to Ex. 1, # 4 Exhibit L attached to Ex. 1, # 5 Exhibit M attached to Ex. 1)(Kairis, Matthew) Modified file date and document link on 12/2/2013 (pjw) (Entered: 11/20/2013)

1 Exhibit I attached to Ex. 1

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2 Exhibit J attached to Ex. 1

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3 Exhibit K attached to Ex. 1

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4 Exhibit L attached to Ex. 1

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5 Exhibit M attached to Ex. 1

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13 Nov. 27, 2013

Continued (Part 3 of 3) EXHIBIT re 15 Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction Attached as Ex. 1 to Plaintiffs' Amended Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages for Memorandum of Law in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit N attached to Ex. 1)(Kairis, Matthew) Modified file date and document link on 12/2/2013 (pjw) (Entered: 11/20/2013)

1 Exhibit N attached to Ex. 1

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14 Nov. 27, 2013

ORDER granting 10 motion for leave to file; signed by Judge Gordon J. Quist (Judge Gordon J. Quist, jmt) (Entered: 11/27/2013)

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15 Nov. 27, 2013

MEMORANDUM in support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction 9 and request for oral argument filed by Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C)(pjw) (Entered: 12/02/2013)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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16 Dec. 3, 2013

MOTION to expedite Argument on Motion for Preliminary Injunction During the Week of December 16 by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference; (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 12/03/2013)

1 Proposed Order

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17 Dec. 4, 2013

NOTICE re 16 Response to Plaintiffs' Motion to Expedite Argument by defendants Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury (Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 12/04/2013)

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Dec. 4, 2013

RESPONSE TO MOTION to expedite Argument on Motion for Preliminary Injunction During the Week of December 16 16 (as taken from 17 ) filed by Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury (pjw)

18 Dec. 5, 2013

NOTICE to attorney Jacek Pruski regarding recent filing 17 (pjw) (Entered: 12/05/2013)

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Dec. 5, 2013

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Paula Batt Wilson on behalf of plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Wilson, Paula)

Dec. 5, 2013

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Alison Kilmartin on behalf of plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Kilmartin, Alison)

19 Dec. 6, 2013

SCHEDULING ORDER re 9 : Defendants to file by 12/16/2013; oral argument set by telephone on 12/19/2013 at 2:00 PM; signed by Judge Gordon J. Quist (Judge Gordon J. Quist, jmt) (Entered: 12/06/2013)

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20 Dec. 11, 2013

NOTICE re 9 Notice of Supplemental Authority relevant to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 12/11/2013)

1 Exhibit A

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Dec. 12, 2013

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Jennifer Brinkman Flannery on behalf of plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Flannery, Jennifer)

21 Dec. 16, 2013

CONSENT MOTION for leave to file excess pages by defendants Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury; (Attachments: # 1 Proposed combine Memorandum in opposition to motion for preliminary injunction and in support of motion to dismiss, or in the alternative, for summary judgment )(Pruski, Jacek) Modified text on 12/17/2013 (pjw) (Entered: 12/16/2013)

1 Attachment Defs.' Combined Mem. in Opp'n to Pls.' Mot. for Prelim

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22 Dec. 16, 2013

MOTION to dismiss, or in the alternative, for summary judgment by defendants Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury; (Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 12/16/2013)

Clearinghouse
23 Dec. 16, 2013

NOTICE of Filing of Certified Administrative Record by defendants Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Index to Admin. Record, # 2 Exhibit Certification of Record)(Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 12/16/2013)

1 Exhibit Index to Admin. Record

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2 Exhibit Certification of Record

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24 Dec. 17, 2013

ORDER granting 21 motion for leave to file excess pages; signed by Judge Gordon J. Quist (Judge Gordon J. Quist, jmt) (Entered: 12/17/2013)

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25 Dec. 17, 2013

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION for preliminary injunction and request for oral argument 9 filed by Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury (pjw) (Entered: 12/17/2013)

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26 Dec. 17, 2013

CONSENT MOTION for leave to file excess pages for Plaintiffs' Reply in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference; (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order, # 2 Exhibit 1 - Plaintiffs' Reply in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction, # 3 Exhibit A to Plaintiffs' Reply, # 4 Exhibit B to Plaintiffs' Reply, # 5 Exhibit C to Plaintiffs' Reply)(Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 12/17/2013)

1 Proposed Order

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2 Exhibit 1 - Plaintiffs' Reply in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injuncti

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3 Exhibit A to Plaintiffs' Reply

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4 Exhibit B to Plaintiffs' Reply

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5 Exhibit C to Plaintiffs' Reply

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27 Dec. 17, 2013

CONTINUED EXHIBITS re 26 [26-2] Plaintiffs' Reply in Support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit D to Plaintiffs' Reply, # 2 Exhibit E to Plaintiffs' Reply, # 3 Exhibit F to Plaintiffs' Reply)(Kairis, Matthew) Modified text on 12/18/2013 (dfw). (Entered: 12/17/2013)

1 Exhibit D to Plaintiffs' Reply

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2 Exhibit E to Plaintiffs' Reply

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3 Exhibit F to Plaintiffs' Reply

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28 Dec. 17, 2013

ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD (three CD's submitted and placed on shelf 23 ) by defendants Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury (mkc) (Entered: 12/18/2013)

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Dec. 17, 2013

MEMORANDUM in support of Motion to Dismiss, or in the alternative, for Summary Judgment 22 (as taken from Doc 25 ) filed by Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury(pjw)

29 Dec. 19, 2013

MINUTES of motion hearing re 9 MOTION for preliminary injunction and request for oral argument filed by Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference held by telephone before Judge Gordon J. Quist (Proceedings Digitally Recorded) (Judge Gordon J. Quist, jmt) (Entered: 12/20/2013)

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Dec. 19, 2013

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Ian Robert Kennedy on behalf of plaintiff Catholic Family Services and appearance of Edward J. Bardelli (Kennedy, Ian)

Dec. 19, 2013

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Rebecca D'Arcy O'Reilly on behalf of plaintiff Michigan Catholic Conference (O'Reilly, Rebecca)

Dec. 19, 2013

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Thomas Van Dusen on behalf of plaintiff Michigan Catholic Conference (Van Dusen, Thomas)

30 Dec. 20, 2013

NOTICE re 9 of Supplemental Authority by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C)(Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 12/20/2013)

1 Exhibit A

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2 Exhibit B

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3 Exhibit C

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31 Dec. 21, 2013

NOTICE re 9 of Supplemental Authority by defendants Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Roman Catholic Archbishop of Washington v. Sebelius - Mem. and Op., # 2 Attachment University of Notre Dame v. Sebelius - Order Denying Prelim. Inj.)(Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 12/21/2013)

1 Attachment Roman Catholic Archbishop of Washington v. Sebelius - Mem. and Op.

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2 Attachment University of Notre Dame v. Sebelius - Order Denying Prelim. Inj.

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32 Dec. 23, 2013

NOTICE re 31 Response to Defendants' Notice of Supplemental Authority by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 12/23/2013)

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33 Dec. 23, 2013

NOTICE re 9 of Supplemental Authority by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 12/23/2013)

1 Exhibit A

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34 Dec. 23, 2013

NOTICE re 9 of Supplemental Authority by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 12/23/2013)

1 Exhibit A

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35 Dec. 24, 2013

NOTICE re 33, 34, 30 Response to Plaintiffs' Notices of Supplemental Authority by defendants Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury (Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 12/24/2013)

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36 Dec. 26, 2013

NOTICE re 9 of Supplemental Authority by defendants Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury (Attachments: # 1 Catholic Diocese of Nashville v. Sebelius)(Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 12/26/2013)

1 Catholic Diocese of Nashville v. Sebelius

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37 Dec. 26, 2013

NOTICE re 36 Plaintiffs' Response to Defendants' Notice of Supplemental Authority by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 12/26/2013)

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38 Dec. 27, 2013

NOTICE re 9 of Supplemental Authority by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Kairis, Matthew) Modified text on 12/30/2013 (jlg). (Entered: 12/27/2013)

1 Exhibit A

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39 Dec. 27, 2013

NOTICE of Supplemental Authority by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A Grace Schools, et al. v. Sebelius, et al., 3:12-cv-459 JD (N.D. Ind. Dec. 27, 2013))(Kairis, Matthew) Modified text on 12/30/2013 (jlg). (Entered: 12/27/2013)

1 Exhibit A Grace Schools et al v Sebelius, et al., 3:12-cv-459 JD (N.D. Ind. Dec

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40 Dec. 27, 2013

OPINION; signed by Judge Gordon J. Quist (Judge Gordon J. Quist, jmt)

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41 Dec. 27, 2013

ORDER denying 9 motion for preliminary injunction; signed by Judge Gordon J. Quist (Judge Gordon J. Quist, jmt) (Entered: 12/27/2013)

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42 Dec. 27, 2013

NOTICE OF INTERLOCUTORY APPEAL re 41, 40 by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 12/27/2013)

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43 Dec. 27, 2013

MOTION for preliminary injunction pending appeal by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference; (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 12/27/2013)

1 Proposed Order

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44 Dec. 27, 2013

MEMORANDUM in support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction 43 Pending Appeal filed by Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference(Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 12/27/2013)

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Dec. 27, 2013

RECEIPT: USCA appeal fee re 42 by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference in the amount of $505, receipt number 0646-2769166 (ns)

45 Dec. 30, 2013

RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION for preliminary injunction pending appeal 43 filed by Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury (Pruski, Jacek) (Entered: 12/30/2013)

Clearinghouse
46 Dec. 31, 2013

JOINT MOTION to stay District Court Proceedings Pending Appeal by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference; (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Kairis, Matthew) (Entered: 12/31/2013)

1 Proposed Order

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Dec. 31, 2013

CASE NUMBER 13-2723 assigned by the Sixth Circuit to appeal 42 (mkc)

47 Jan. 2, 2014

TRANSCRIPT of Oral Argument re: Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction held December 19, 2013 before U.S. District Judge Gordon J. Quist; NOTE: this transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the release of transcript restriction date; after that date it may be obtained through PACER; under the Policy Regarding Transcripts the parties have 14 days within which to file a Notice of Intent to redact, and 21 days within which to file a Redaction Request; if no Transcript Redaction Request is filed, the court will assume redaction of personal identifiers is not necessary and this transcript will be made available via PACER after the release of transcript restriction set for 4/2/2014 ; redaction request due 1/23/2014 (Court Reporter: Gaugier, Kevin (616) 456-6133) (Entered: 01/02/2014)

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48 Jan. 2, 2014

ORDER dismissing as moot 43 motion for preliminary injunction; signed by Judge Gordon J. Quist (Judge Gordon J. Quist, jmt) (Entered: 01/02/2014)

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49 Jan. 3, 2014

ORDER granting 46 motion to stay; signed by Judge Gordon J. Quist (Judge Gordon J. Quist, jmt) (Entered: 01/03/2014)

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50 Jan. 3, 2014

ORDER of USCA re appeal 42 granting motion for an injunction pending appeal. The government is hereby enjoined from enforcing the provision in question against the plaintiffs pending dispostion of this appeal. The appeal shall be expedited for briefing and submission, and no extensions of time of the briefing schedule will be granted absent extraordinary circumstances. Alice M. Batchelder, Chief Circuit Judge; Eugene E. Siler, Jr., Circuit Judge and Jane Branstetter Stranch, Circuit Judge. [The order is AMENDED to include Judge Stranch's dissent.] (jlg) (Entered: 01/03/2014)

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51 Jan. 6, 2014

AFFIDAVIT of service by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference re 1 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Kilmartin, Alison) (Entered: 01/06/2014)

1 Exhibit A

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Jan. 6, 2014

SUMMONS returned executed on Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury, US Attorney and US Attorney General; service upon defendant, Jacob J. Lew complete on 11/14/2013, answer due 1/13/2014; Thomas Perez complete on 11/14/2013, answer due 1/13/2014; Kathleen Sebelius complete on 11/14/2013, answer due 1/13/2014; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services complete on 11/14/2013, answer due 1/13/2014; U.S. Department of Labor complete on 11/14/2013, answer due 1/13/2014; U.S. Department of Treasury complete on 11/14/2013, answer due 1/13/2014 (pjw) (as taken from Doc 51 ); Modified text on 1/9/2014 (pjw)

52 Jan. 9, 2014

NOTICE to attorney Alison Kilmartin regarding recent filing 51 (pjw) (Entered: 01/09/2014)

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53 April 24, 2014

ORDER of USCA re appeal 42 granting motions to file amicus briefs in support of appellants (pjw) (Entered: 04/25/2014)

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54 June 12, 2014

SLIP OPINION and JUDGMENT of USCA re appeal 42 ; affirming the district courts' denial of preliminary injunctions; lifting the stay temporarily issued by this court pending resolution of this appeal; mandate to issue (pjw) Modified text on 6/12/2014 (pjw). (Entered: 06/12/2014)

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55 Dec. 18, 2014

LETTER from Supreme Court of the United States that a petition for writ of certiorari was filed by plaintiff Michigan Catholic Conference on 12/12/2014 and assigned case number 14-701 re Notice of Interlocutory Appeal 42 (pjw) (Entered: 12/19/2014)

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56 Jan. 6, 2015

ORDER dismissing 22 motion to dismiss or in the alternative for summary judgment; signed by Judge Gordon J. Quist (Judge Gordon J. Quist, jmt) (Entered: 01/06/2015)

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57 April 27, 2015

LETTER from Supreme Court of the United States that the petition for writ of certiorari is granted re Notice of Interlocutory Appeal 42 ; the judgment is vacated, and the case is remanded to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit for further consideration; mandate or judgment to issue (pjw); Modified text on 4/28/2015 and 6/2/2015 (pjw); modified text on 5/11/2015 (cmi) (Entered: 04/28/2015)

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58 May 29, 2015

SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT re appeal 42 ; the judgment is vacated, and the case is remanded to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit for further consideration (pjw) (Entered: 06/02/2015)

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June 9, 2015

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Julie Saltman on behalf of defendants Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury (Saltman, Julie)

59 June 29, 2015

LETTER FROM CCA regarding appeal 42 indicating that supplemental briefs are to be filed addressing what impact the Supreme Court's decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., and any relevant circuit court decisions published after Hobby Lobby, might have on this case by 5:00 pm on July 13 (pjw) (Entered: 06/29/2015)

RECAP
60 Aug. 21, 2015

SLIP OPINION of USCA re appeal 42 and JUDGMENT filed: This court's prior opinion, Michigan Catholic Conference & Catholic Family Services v. Burwell, 755 F.3d 372 (6th Cir. 2014), is reissued and reaffirmed, with respect to all issues raised by Plaintiffs; the judgments of the district courts denying preliminary injunctive relief to Plaintiffs on all of their claims are affirmed; mandate to issue (jlg) (Entered: 08/21/2015)

Clearinghouse
61 Sept. 16, 2015

MOTION to withdraw as attorney by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference; (Kilmartin, Alison) (Entered: 09/16/2015)

RECAP
62 Sept. 25, 2015

ORDER granting 61 motion to withdraw as attorney; signed by Judge Gordon J. Quist (Judge Gordon J. Quist, jmt) (Entered: 09/25/2015)

RECAP
63 March 14, 2016

LETTER from Supreme Court of the United States that a petition for writ of certiorari was filed by defendants on March 9,2016 and assigned case number 15-1131 re Notice of Interlocutory Appeal 42 (pjw) (Entered: 03/15/2016)

RECAP
64 May 26, 2016

SLIP OPINION of the U.S. Supreme Court re appeal 42 ; this judgment is vacated and the case is remanded to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals; judgment or mandate of the Court will not issue for at least twenty-five days pursuant to Rule 45 (pjw) (Entered: 05/27/2016)

RECAP
65 June 24, 2016

SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT re appeal 42 The judgment of the above court in this cause is vacated, and the case is remanded to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in light of Zubik v. Burwell, 578 U. S. ___ (2016). (pjw) (Entered: 06/28/2016)

Clearinghouse
66 July 26, 2016

LETTER FROM CCA regarding appeal 42 ; ruling letter sent to require appellees and appellants to file status report; Status report due 09/28/2016 (pjw) Modified text on 7/28/2016 (pjw). (Entered: 07/28/2016)

RECAP
67 Jan. 13, 2017

ORDER of USCA (certified copy) re appeal 42 granting motion to withdraw as counsel ; no mandate to issue (clw) (Entered: 01/13/2017)

RECAP
Oct. 19, 2017

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Michelle Bennett on behalf of defendants Jacob J. Lew, Thomas Perez, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Treasury (Bennett, Michelle)

Oct. 23, 2017

(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Conor Brendan Dugan on behalf of plaintiff Catholic Family Services (Dugan, Conor)

68 Nov. 2, 2017

JOINT STIPULATION of dismissal per Rule 41(a)(1)(A)(ii) by plaintiffs Catholic Family Services, Michigan Catholic Conference (Kairis, Matthew) Modified text on 11/3/2017 (pjw). (Entered: 11/02/2017)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Michigan

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Contraception Insurance Mandate

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 14, 2013

Closing Date: 2017

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

A group of non-profit organizations that believed the ACA's contraception mandate violates the members' religious freedom.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

U.S. Department of Labor

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Defendant Type(s):

Hospital/Health Department

Facility Type(s):

Non-government non-profit

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

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

Constitutional Clause(s):

Free Exercise Clause

Other Dockets:

Western District of Michigan 1:13-cv-01247

Supreme Court of the United States 14-701

Supreme Court of the United States 15-1131

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit 13-02723

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit 13-06640

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Relief Granted:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Form of Settlement:

Voluntary Dismissal

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief denied

Issues

Discrimination Area:

Pay / Benefits

Discrimination Basis:

Religion discrimination

Reproductive rights:

Contraception

Recommended Citation