Washington, USA - A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that claims a requirement of President Barack Obama's health care law that all Americans have health insurance violates the religious freedom of those who rely on God to protect them.
Three of the plaintiffs were Christians who said they believed God would heal their afflictions, and that being forced to buy insurance would conflict with their faith.
U.S. Judge Gladys Kessler wrote that anyone who objects to having health care for religious reasons could choose to pay the penalty instead.
She's the third Democratic-appointed judge to dismiss a challenge to Mr. Obama's requirement that Americans either buy health insurance or pay a penalty, beginning in 2014.
Two Republican-appointed judges have ruled part or all of the law unconstitutional.