MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The U.S. District Court ruled in favor of the owner of a Minnesota car dealership who challenged the federal mandate to provide contraceptive coverage to his employees. Because of his faith-based objections, Hastings Automotive owner Doug Erickson is no longer required to provide coverage.

“I am grateful that the court’s ruling today allows me to remain obedient to the convictions of my faith without compromising my beliefs to obey government,” said Erickson.

Earlier this year, Erickson was granted a temporary exemption from the mandate until a ruling had been made in the Hobby Lobby case. The mandate is part of the Affordable Care Act and requires employers to provide employees with health insurance that includes coverage for “contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures and related patient education and counseling.”

District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson granted permanent exemption to Erickson in light of the Supreme Court Ruling in Burwell v. Hobby Loby which allowed for-profit corporations to be exempt from a law if the owners have religious objections to it.