Seven states sue government over contraceptives mandate February 23, 2012 -- Updated 2238 GMT (0638 HKT) NEW: The issue has become a political flashpoint in a presidential election year NEW: The Obama administration adjusted its policy in an attempt at compromise The lawsuit accuses the government of violating the First Amendment It names three government departments and the Cabinet members that head them Washington (CNN) -- Seven states on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the federal government requirement that religious employers offer health insurance coverage that includes contraceptives and other birth control services. The issue has become political flashpoint in a presidential election year, and the lawsuit by attorneys general from Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Florida and Texas was certain to keep it prominent. Private plaintiffs joining the seven states included Pius X Catholic High School, Catholic Social Services, The Catholic Mutual Relief Society of America and private citizens Stacy Molai and Sister Mary Catherine. The 25-page lawsuit named the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius; the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner; and the U.S. Department of Labor and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis as defendants. The lawsuit alleges a violation of the First Amendment and of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. "Government has no business forcing religious institutions and individuals to violate their sincerely held beliefs," Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement Thursday. This lawsuit is about protecting religious liberty and the rights of conscience, our most basic freedoms as Americans. A White House official had no comment on the pending litigation, referring CNN to the president's remarks from February 10 in which he outlined an accommodation for religious groups. However, it is not the first court challenge to the Obama administration's new mandate on contraceptive coverage announced earlier this year. Last week, the Justice Department urged judges to stay out of the controversy until a compromise can be worked out. The Obama administration announced a proposed compromise in the dispute earlier this month. Under its new plan, religiously affiliated universities and hospitals would not be forced to offer contraception coverage to their employees. Insurers will be required, however, to offer complete coverage for free to women who work at such institutions. Female employees at churches themselves will have no guarantee of any contraception coverage -- a continuation of current law. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops denounced Obama's compromise soon after the president's announcement, saying the proposal raises "serious moral concerns," according to a statement posted on its website. Half of all Americans polled say they oppose the Obama administration's new policy, according to a CNN/ORC International survey. CNN's Bill Mears, Susan Candiotti and Vivian Kuo contributed to this report.