Protesters rally to oppose contraception mandate [Reading Eagle, Pa.]

March 24--About 100 people turned out Friday for a rally in Reading to oppose a federal requirement that most employers provide their workers health insurance coverage that includes contraception.

The Stand Up for Religious Freedom rally took place along the 400 block of Washington Street at lunchtime, and participants held American flags and signs protesting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mandate.

Though churches are exempt from the birth control requirement, women who work for religiously affiliated organizations, such as colleges and hospitals, could obtain such coverage directly from insurance companies.

Similar rallies were held in about 140 American cities Friday near federal buildings, such as The Madison, 400 Washington St., according to standupforreligiousfreedom.org.

Some said they learned of the local event through a Catholic voter website, and at least a dozen female Berks Catholic High School students were on hand. But it wasn't strictly a Catholic or anti-contraception event, participants said.

"We're standing up for religious freedom, which is one of the bedrock freedoms of our country," said David Ross of Reinholds, holding a copy of the First Amendment.

He was happy with the turnout, which included participants from different faiths.

"There is a lot of unity here," he said. "It's beautiful."

Heather Keperling of Exeter Township said too many people misunderstand the federal mandate and what is at stake.

"We're concerned about the direction we're headed in terms of our country and our political leaders," she said. "We're here to spread the word."

"This isn't about people taking birth control pills," said Susan Mantz of New Ringgold, Schuylkill County. "They're taking our religious freedoms away, and that's really a sad thing."

Contact Mike Urban: 610-371-5023 or [email protected].

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