EEOC opposes HHS "provider conscience" rule

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has joined the chorus of criticism of the Department of Health & Human Services's proposed "Provider Conscience" rule, which many are concerned could limit access to contraception:

In its comment, EEOC says Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act ensures a constitutionally sound right to the accommodation of religious practices "for all employees, including health care employees." The proposed rule, purporting to create "an absolute right to religious accommodation," detracts from the employer’s ability to show "undue hardship" and throws off the balance of Title VII analysis, it says.

Unsurprisingly, HHS says it has received a "higher than usual" number of comments on this proposal, for which the comment period just ended.

Via Workplace Profs Blog.