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FARGO — The Diocese of Fargo has joined a group representing Catholic employers in a lawsuit opposing federal health care coverage requirements that they say include gender transition surgery and abortion, violating their religious beliefs.

The diocese, the Catholic Benefits Association and Catholic Charities North Dakota have asked the court to block the rules scheduled to go into effect Jan. 1, according to a motion filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in North Dakota.

“We ask only for the freedom to serve consistent with our conscience and our Catholic faith,” Bishop John Folda of the Fargo Diocese said in a CBA news release. “While we do not discriminate against individuals because of their orientation, our Catholic values will not permit us to pay for or facilitate actions that are contrary to our faith.”

According the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act prohibits “discrimination in health care on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability and sex, including discrimination based on pregnancy, gender identity and sex stereotyping.” For example, it said, women cannot be charged more than men for health insurance.

The rule affects health insurers, hospitals, and health plans administered by or receiving federal funds from HHS.