A federal judge in North Dakota has dealt a blow to the Biden administration’s efforts to enforce abortion and transgender accommodations, siding with Catholic employers in a significant religious freedom case.
At a Glance
- U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor granted a preliminary injunction against EEOC regulations
- The ruling affects over 1,300 Catholic employers and 7,100 parishes
- Judge found the regulations likely violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act
- Decision impacts enforcement of Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and Title VII guidance
Catholic Employers Win Temporary Relief from Federal Regulations
In a significant victory for religious liberty advocates, U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor has granted a preliminary injunction allowing over 8,000 Catholic employers to reject government regulations that would have required them to accommodate workers seeking abortions and fertility care. The ruling, which affects members of the Catholic Benefits Association and the Diocese of Bismarck, found that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) rules likely violated the employers’ religious freedom.
Judge Traynor’s decision specifically bars the EEOC from enforcing regulations that would compel the diocese and association members to support practices contrary to their religious beliefs, including abortion, certain fertility treatments, and gender transition accommodations. The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed in July by the Diocese of Bismarck and the Catholic Benefits Association, which covers approximately 162,000 employees across the country.
Clash Between Religious Freedom and Anti-Discrimination Laws
At the heart of this legal battle is the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, passed in December 2022, which aimed to provide accommodations for pregnant workers but faced criticism for its broad interpretation of pregnancy-related conditions. The EEOC’s subsequent guidance on this act, along with its interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, led to the current conflict with religious employers.
“in a manner that would require them to speak or communicate in favor of abortion, fertility treatments, or gender transition when such is contrary to the Catholic faith.” – Source
Judge Traynor argued that the EEOC’s rules forced Catholic employers to choose between their religious beliefs and compliance with federal regulations, causing “irreparable” harm. The judge’s ruling also prevents the EEOC from taking action against association members who refuse to use pronouns or allow bathroom use consistent with transgender employees’ gender identity.
Implications and Reactions
The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters of religious liberty view it as a necessary protection for faith-based organizations, while critics argue it could undermine civil rights protections and have a chilling effect on pregnant workers exercising their rights. The Department of Justice has declined to comment on the ruling, while federal attorneys had previously argued that the plaintiffs’ case was speculative and lacked legal standing.
“It is a precarious time for people of religious faith in America. It has been described as a post-Christian age,” Traynor wrote. “One indication of this dire assessment may be the repeated illegal and unconstitutional administrative actions against one of the founding principles of our country, the free exercise of religion.” – Source
This case is part of a broader legal landscape challenging the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and similar regulations. A federal judge in Louisiana has already blocked enforcement of the rule against Louisiana, Mississippi, and a Catholic bishops’ group. Meanwhile, a separate challenge by 17 Republican-led states was unsuccessful, with an appeal expected to be heard by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Looking Ahead
As the legal battles continue, the outcome of this case and others like it will likely shape the ongoing balance between religious freedom protections and federal anti-discrimination laws. The preliminary injunction granted by Judge Traynor represents a significant, albeit temporary, victory for Catholic employers seeking to operate in accordance with their religious beliefs. However, the broader implications for civil rights and workplace protections remain a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.
