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Federal judge in North Dakota Rules in Favor of Catholic Employers on Abortion Protections

By Bill Dubensky Apr 20, 2025 | 8:49 AM

he Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

 

(By: North Dakota Monitor) – A North Dakota federal judge ruled that a group of Catholic employers do not have to follow new federal regulations meant to protect workers’ access to abortion and fertility treatment, and to shield LGBTQ employees from discrimination.

The order, released by Judge Daniel Traynor, relates to two documents issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission last year. One is a rule implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the other updated non-binding guidance on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlaws workplace discrimination.

The Diocese of Bismarck and the Catholic Benefits Association took issue with both of the regulations, arguing in an August federal court complaint that they force Catholic employers to go against their religious beliefs.

Bismarck Diocese Bishop David Kagan said in a statement the diocese is thankful for the verdict.

“The Court has upheld our religious freedom rights and that is all we ever wanted,” he said.

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