Linda McMahon joins critics of Prez’ birth control policy

Potential U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon today joined fellow Republicans at the national level in criticizing a recent decision by the White House regarding birth control that Catholic officials and other critics view as an attack on religious freedom.

McMahon’s statement, which you can read below, also attacks Democratic U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, her possible rival in November’s general election to replace retiring “independent Democrat” U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Stamford.

Murphy defended the White House this past weekend on Face the State.

McMahon’s statement:

The idea that the federal government would mandate that religious institutions like colleges and hospitals put practicing Catholics in direct conflict with their beliefs is unconscionable. Through the First Amendment and the separation of church and state, the United States Constitution guarantees the freedom of religion.

But this isn’t just a debate about religion or reproductive rights. This is an all-out assault on the United States Constitution.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”

President Obama swore to uphold these words when he took the oath of office. But now in his quest for a political victory on health care, this president is unapologetically trampling all over the First Amendment.

Unfortunately for Connecticut, Congressman Chris Murphy stands firmly with the President in this assault on the United States Constitution.

This may be politically inconvenient for both the President and Congressman Murphy, but shouldn’t the line in the sand be for all Americans’ freedoms and liberties?

Brian Lockhart