Mich. company wins round in health law dispute

DETROIT (AP) - A judge has blocked the government from taking any action against a Detroit-area company that opposes the contraception mandate in the new federal health law.

Federal Judge Robert Cleland says the government could eventually win the lawsuit, but he ordered a preliminary injunction Wednesday in favor of Weingartz Supply Co., which sells outdoor power equipment.

Weingartz says the contraception mandate violates the free speech rights of company owners who are Roman Catholic. But under the new health care law, companies can be fined if they don't offer insurance.

Cleland justified the injunction by saying the loss of First Amendment rights, even for a brief period, is an "irreparable injury."