LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) — Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is condemning the Obama administration’s use of “coercive federal power” to limit religious freedom as he courts Christian conservatives ahead of a likely presidential run. The Republican White House prospect lashed out at the Democratic president’s administration for “demanding obedience in complete disregard of religious conscience” as he delivered a Saturday commencement address at Liberty University, a Christian institution founded by the late conservative culture warrior Rev. Jerry Falwell. More broadly, Bush said “the Christian voice” isn’t heard enough in the world. Bush is preparing to enter a presidential contest that includes Republican competitors considered far more popular with the GOP’s religious right. They all criticize Obama’s health care overhaul which requires some religion-affiliated organizations to provide health insurance for employees that includes birth control.
