SD joins other states in opposing health mandate

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- South Dakota and 17 other states are supporting a First Amendment challenge of the new federal health care law before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Attorney General Marty Jackley says the states are part of a "friend of the court" brief challenging a Third Circuit Court of Appeals decision. That ruling held that the employer mandate in the Affordable Care Act did not violate religious principles in the operation of family-owned businesses.

He says South Dakota has challenged the law as infringing upon individual and state rights.

Jackley says the Supreme Court did not authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to implement the mandate so it infringes upon people's Freedom of Religion.

He says joining the case won't cost the state anything.

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