Eden Foods in court Oct. 2

CLINTON — October 2 is the date for a federal appeals court to hear arguments on Eden Foods’ request for a preliminary injunction. The Clinton company and its owner, Michael Potter, want exemption from federal requirements to provide birth control coverage to employees as part of its health insurance package.Potter’s suit, filed in March, says the contraception requirement in the new health care law goes against his Catholic religious beliefs. Judge Denise Page Hood denied a motion for preliminary injunction, ruling federal courts stated the contraception mandate applies to corporations and does not violate religious beliefs of individuals.In July, the government was supported by 14 civil rights and religious groups through the filing of amicus briefs. Nine different religious rights groups have supported Eden’s appeal.Claims of discrimination have been leveled against Potter and Eden Foods. Michael Steinberg, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), filed a brief in the case accusing Eden Foods of using freedom of religion to excuse itself from laws of anti-discrimination.Eden Foods attorney Erin Mersino of the Thomas More Law Center filed a response on August 8 denying discrimination is the intent of the lawsuit. The purpose of the lawsuit, according to Mersino’s filing, is to protect the company from unwanted government intrusion. The company argues contraception should be free for women through tax credits or existing health programs. Until October 2, when the appeals court reviews the temporary injunction requested by Eden Foods, the case is on hold.

Tecumseh Herald

 

110 E. Logan St.
P.O. Box 218
Tecumseh, MI 49286
517-423-2174
800-832-6443

Email Us

FacebookTwitter

Latest articles

  • America Beltran, a 23-year-old graduate of Tecumseh High School was arrested by ICE agents in February.

    Wed, 03/27/2024 - 2:58pm
  • Tohni Campbell (l) and Kathy Lucha inside Selma’s Opal in downtown Tecumseh. Photo by Jim Lincoln.

    Wed, 03/27/2024 - 2:55pm
  • LISD Tech Center FFA student Camden Grodi, left, and Tecumseh Rotary Club President Holly Willey work on a water pasteurization indicator at the tech center on March 21. Submitted photo.

    Wed, 03/27/2024 - 2:34pm

Please Login for Premium Content