Illinois Diocese, Pro-Life Center Sue State Over Religious Freedom Law

The Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford and the Catholic Diocese of Springfield have filed a federal lawsuit against Illinois, claiming that a recent amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act violates their First Amendment rights. The amended law prohibits discrimination based on reproductive health decisions, including abortion, and restricts employers from disciplining or refusing to hire employees based on these choices. The plaintiffs argue that this law undermines their ability to adhere to their religious beliefs and control their hiring practices, which they assert are essential to their mission as pro-life organizations. The lawsuit seeks to block the enforcement of the law, asserting that it forces religious organizations to act contrary to their foundational beliefs. Legal representation comes from the Alliance Defending Freedom, which emphasizes that pro-life groups should have the right to hire like-minded employees. The Diocese contends that the law effectively limits their religious autonomy and ability to express their convictions without government interference.