WINONA LAKE — Congressman Jim Banks released the following statement after Grace College and Seminary won a federal lawsuit pushing back against the Obama-era abortion-pill mandate:

“This week, the First Amendment was upheld at the Supreme Court in the case of Masterpiece Cakeshop and right here at home with Grace College and Seminary. Grace College rightfully pushed back against the Obama-era HHS abortion-pill mandate that unconstitutionally forced employers to violate their beliefs. This is not only a win for Hoosiers in northeast Indiana, but for religious liberty all across America.”

On Monday, a federal district court ruled that the federal government cannot force Grace College and Seminary in Winona Lake to provide abortion-inducing drugs, sterilization, and contraception through their health plans under threat of heavy penalties.