Domino's founder sues Obama administration over birth control rule

The founder of Domino's Pizza has sued the Obama administration over the mandate that health plans cover birth control. 

A devout Catholic, billionaire Tom Monaghan called contraception "gravely immoral" and said the mandate violates his religious freedom by requiring his employee health plan to serve as a vehicle for birth control.

Monaghan's suit was filed Friday in federal court. There are more than 40 similar actions pending around the country, according to the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which is representing some plaintiffs.

The administration policy requires most employers to cover a range of birth control methods in their health plans. Churches and houses of worship are exempt, and employees of religiously affiliated institutions such as Catholic schools will be able to obtain birth control directly from their insurance company, but still without a co-pay. 

Supporters of the requirement say birth control is essential component of most women's healthcare and should be covered by insurance to make it as affordable as possible.

Monaghan offers health insurance without contraceptive or abortion coverage, according to Friday's court filing. The suit comes on behalf of Monaghan and Domino's Farms, a Michigan office park he owns, not Domino's Pizza.

Several lawsuits against the mandate have come from religious business owners, including the family behind Hobby Lobby, the arts-and-crafts chain, which saw its legal challenge denied in late November.

Monaghan also founded Ave Maria University, a Catholic college in Florida, and Legatus, a group of Catholic business leaders. Both organizations have already filed suit over the mandate.

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