Ninth Circuit Revives Christian Ministry’s Fight to Defend Faith-Based Hiring Rights

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – A federal appeals court has handed a key win to religious liberty advocates, allowing the Union Gospel Mission of Yakima to move forward with its constitutional challenge against Washington state’s hiring restrictions.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit unanimously ruled that the Christian ministry has standing to challenge the state’s enforcement of the Washington Law Against Discrimination, which was narrowed by the Washington Supreme Court to limit religious hiring exemptions largely to ministerial roles.

The decision revives a lawsuit dismissed last year and clears the way for the Yakima-based mission to argue that the First Amendment protects its right to hire employees who share and live out its Christian beliefs.

“Religious organizations shouldn’t be punished for exercising their constitutionally protected freedom to hire employees aligned with their faith,” said Alliance Defending Freedom senior counsel Jeremiah Galus, whose organization, Alliance Defending Freedom, represents the mission.

The ministry says it was forced to suspend hiring in 2023 out of fear that rejecting applicants who openly oppose its biblical views on marriage and sexuality could trigger discrimination complaints under state law.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown declined to comment, saying his office is reviewing the ruling.

The case is being closely watched by churches and faith-based nonprofits nationwide, as it could determine whether states can compel religious organizations to hire staff whose beliefs conflict with their mission.

The Yakima Union Gospel Mission operates homeless shelters, addiction recovery programs, meal services, and health clinics, serving thousands each year. The Ninth Circuit ruling marks a significant step toward a broader legal showdown over religious freedom, church autonomy, and government overreach.

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