Seven states sue government over contraceptives mandate

By the CNN Wire Staff - Seven states filed a lawsuit Thursday against the federal government requirement that religious employers offer health insurance coverage that includes contraceptives and other birth control services.

Attorneys general from Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Florida and Texas filed the lawsuit, along with private plaintiffs including Pius X Catholic High School, Catholic Social Services, The Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America and private citizens Stacy Molai and Sister Mary Catherine.

The 25-page lawsuit names the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius; the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner; and the U.S. Department of Labor and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis as defendants.

The lawsuit alleges a violation of the First Amendment and of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.