Contraceptive Mandate (S. 2139) House Vote 2002

The Massachusetts House of Representatives considered on January 30, 2002, a bill mandating employee insurance coverage for contraceptives. The first vote sought to amend the bill to broaden an exemption covering only church-controlled organizations (such as diocesan offices, parishes and parochial grade schools) so that religiously affiliated entities, such as Catholic hospitals and social agencies, also would not be forced to cover contraceptives. The religious exemption amendment was defeated by a vote of 49 to 107.  The State Senate passed the bill by voice vote and it was signed into law by Acting Governor Jane Swift on March 7, 2002 (Chapter 49 of the Acts of 2002).

Those who voted yes favored the amendment. The second vote was on the question of whether to pass the main bill. The bill was passed without the amendment by a vote of 140 to 16. Those who voted no opposed the bill.  Reps. Garrett Bradley and Brian Golden were absent and did not vote.

Information provided by the Massachusetts Catholic Conference.

Voted For Amendment to Broaden Exemption to Protect Catholic Hospitals etc. (49)

Voted Against Amendment (107)

Voted Against Contraceptive Mandate Bill (16)

Voted For Contraceptive Mandate Bill (140)