A federal judge in North Dakota has sided with a Catholic employers' association, granting them a preliminary injunction against a federal regulation that mandates employers to accommodate workers who either have abortions or seek specific fertility treatments. This decision was made by U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor, who was responding to a lawsuit filed by the Catholic Benefits Association, based in Colorado, alongside the Catholic Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota.

The legal challenge was directed at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over a rule from the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which calls for adjustments in job responsibilities or time off for employees dealing with pregnancy-related issues. The plaintiffs contended that this regulation infringed upon their First Amendment right to religious freedom and contravened the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, as it potentially compelled individuals to act against their deeply held beliefs.

Judge Traynor's ruling stipulated that the EEOC could not impose penalties on association members for not adhering to certain policies related to gender identity, such as the use of preferred pronouns or bathroom access based on someone's gender identity. This injunction will remain while the case is further evaluated, as the judge noted that Catholic employers running for-profit organizations deserve protections for their religious beliefs.

In his remarks, Traynor, appointed by former President Donald Trump, expressed concern over the current state of religious freedom in the U.S. and criticized the Biden administration for what he viewed as "illegal and unconstitutional" actions that hinder religious liberties. His judgment follows a similar ruling in Louisiana, which also sought to block the enforcement of the EEOC mandate, indicating potential wider implications for religious entities across the nation.