LA CROSSE, WI (WXOW)—Protesters from 150 cities around the country joined together to stand up for religious freedom and first amendment rights.
In La Crosse, they protested on the corner of State and 4th Streets, near the post office.
Protesters said they hope their voices will be heard as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to issue a ruling on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.
The act would require all employers to underwrite employee costs from contraception, surgical sterilization and abortion inducing drugs through their health plans, regardless of religious or moral convictions.
"It's taking away, I think, more freedom than people realize," Karen Arvidson, La Crosse protester said. "And if we don't stand up then how can we change this."
Arvidson said she believes an insurance company should have the right to choose for themselves whether to cover contraceptives and abortions.
"If the Affordable Care Act is ruled unconstitutional, we must ensure that religious freedom will be protected in subsequent health care legislation," Eric Schiedler, Pro-life Action League member said. "But if the Affordable Care Act is not struck down, we'll be sending the federal government a clear message that the faith-based institutions and private businesses affected by the HHS Mandate here and across the nation will not violate their consciences by complying with it."
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to make a ruling on the Affordable Care Act by the end of June.
