Federal Judge Blocks Rules Forcing Catholic Employers to Fund Gender-Affirming Care

A federal judge in North Dakota ruled that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) cannot compel Catholic employers to provide or fund gender-affirming medical care. The case challenges HHS and EEOC rules that prohibit discrimination against transgender individuals in federally funded health programs and employment benefits under the Affordable Care Act, Title IX, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The Catholic Benefits Association argued these rules conflict with their religious beliefs by potentially requiring Catholic hospitals and ministries to offer gender-affirming treatments.