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N.D. (AP) – The Diocese of Fargo and other Catholic employers in North Dakota have filed a federal lawsuit opposing federal health care coverage requirements that include abortion and gender-changing surgeries.

The diocese and the Catholic Benefits Association say the coverage requirements conflict with the Catholic faith.

In a statement, Bishop John Folda says the Catholic Church does not discriminate based on orientation, but it should have the freedom to make faith-based coverage decisions.

The association said Pope Francis has reiterated that Catholic teachings oppose abortion and theories that gender is alterable.