DETROIT — Domino’s Farms owner Tom Monaghan had his day in court against the HHS mandate, and he’s being supported by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette.

Schuette filed an amicus brief supporting Monaghan’s lawsuit Jan. 30 with the U.S. District Court in Detroit, a day before Monaghan’s case was to be heard. He said the Obama administration didn’t have a right to violate Monaghan’s religious beliefs with the mandate.

“America’s first freedom is religious liberty,” Schuette said. “Any rule, regulation or law that forces American employers to violate their free exercise of religion is a flat-out violation of the First Amendment and federal law, specifically the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.”

Schuette filed the brief a day before the Obama administration announced changes to its proposed rule that would offer a broader opt-out clause for religious organizations. The changes would not, however, give relief to private business owners such as Monaghan, something Schuette said was unacceptable.

“The First Amendment applies to everyone, and I will continue to defend religious liberty for all, not just the chosen few dictated by the Obama administration,” he said.

Domino’s Farms owns a complex that houses more than 50 companies and nonprofits in Ann Arbor, including Ave Maria Radio (990 AM).

Schuette also has filed amicus briefs supporting Utica-based Weingartz Supply Co.’s lawsuit against the mandate.