US Catholic bishops stay course on gay marriage, Obama birth control mandate despite setbacks

BALTIMORE - The United States' Roman Catholic bishops say they won't change their strategy on gay marriage or birth control coverage despite the outcome of the election.

Bishops have been in the forefront of opposing same-sex marriage. But voters decided ballot questions in four states last week in favour of gay rights.

Bishops had also spoken out sharply against President Barack Obama's requirement that most employers provide health insurance that covers birth control. Obama won re-election last week.

The bishops did not comment directly on Obama or the election, but they spoke generally about staying the course despite setbacks.

Church leaders made the comments Monday in Baltimore at the start of a meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. On Tuesday, the bishops will consider making a statement on the economy.