Contact: Matt Smith, Catholic Advocate, 202-521-9828 

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- "Our religious liberties are an inalienable right not a privilege that can be changed on a whim," said Matt Smith, Catholic Advocate president. "Our faith-based institutions should not be forced by this administration or any in the future to violate their beliefs.

"We are disappointed that today appears to be an attempt to fix a political problem in an election year. As some media outlets are reporting, White House staff was reviewing polling data before the HHS mandate was released on January 20. Their thinking was focused on 269 days from now and not the 220 years of our Bill of Rights.

"If the President is serious about protecting religious liberties, than he should signal to Congress he will sign into law the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act so no executive branch action or future action can trample on our rights in the same manner."

Catholic Advocate is a leading grassroots organization engaging and encouraging faithful Catholics to actively participate in the political process to support elected officials and policies that remain consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.