Justices seem to seek compromise in birth control case

dailymail.co.uk

A seemingly divided Supreme Court is exploring a possible compromise ruling in the dispute between faith-based groups and the Obama administration over birth control.

The justices issued an unusual order Tuesday directing both sides in the case that was argued last week to file a new round of legal briefs. They're asked to examine the minimum the groups must do in order to register their objection to paying for contraception. The Obama administration wants to ensure that women covered under the groups' health plans have access to cost-free birth control.

The court set an April 20 deadline, suggesting that the justices want to resolve the case by late June. A 4-4 tie would leave different rules in place in different parts of the country because lower courts have issued conflicting rulings.

Another option is to leave the issue unsettled until a ninth justice is confirmed to take the place of Justice Antonin Scalia.