Hundreds Protest on Main Street Against Birth Control Mandate

Across the country, religious groups staged rallies Friday to protest a health care mandate that would require health insurers to cover all FDA-approved contraception methods. Ellicott City protesters were out in force.

According to the New York Times, the Roman Catholic Church requested an exemption for its institutions, including hospitals, schools and charities. That request was denied by the Obama administration. 

Between 250 and 300 people attended “Stand Up for Religious Freedom—Stop the HHS (Health and Human Services) Mandate!” rally in front of Congressman Elijah Cummings's office on Main Street in Ellicott City Fiday to protest his support of the mandate.

"It's about freedom of religion," said rally organizer Peggy Hagan. "It's about defending the First Amendment and the Constitution."